Camera device

Abstract

To allow a camera to satisfactorily pick up images.SOLUTION: In a camera device 10, a camera 54 is accommodated in a bracket 12, and the camera 54 picks up an image of a front side of a cover plate 60 through the cover plate 60 and a lens 54A. A main nozzle 52 injects air to the front side of the cover plate 60, and a sub nozzle 62 injects air into the bracket 12. Consequently, not only water droplets on a front side surface of the cover plate 60 can be removed, but fogging of a rear side surface of the cover plate 60 and a front side surface of the lens 54A can be removed, and the camera 54 can satisfactorily pick up an image of the front side of the cover plate 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera device in which a camera captures an image through a transparent member. [Background technology]

[0002] In the camera device described in Patent Document 1 below, the camera body captures an image of the front side of a cover member through the cover member.

[0003] Here, in this camera device, the nozzle sprays fluid onto the front side of the cover member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-22451 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a camera device that can take good images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A camera device of a first aspect of the present invention includes a container in which a transparent member that transmits light is provided, a camera contained within the container and provided with a lens, which captures an image of an front side of the transparent member through the transparent member and the lens, a first ejection unit that ejects a fluid onto the front side of the transparent member, and a second ejection unit that ejects a gas into the container.

[0007] The camera device of a second aspect of the present invention is the camera device of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein an outlet from which the second ejection part ejects gas is disposed closer to the transparent member than a portion of the camera excluding the lens.

[0008] A camera device of a third aspect of the present invention is the camera device of the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the second ejection section ejects gas between the transparent member and the lens.

[0009] A camera device of a fourth aspect of the present invention is the camera device of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the first ejection section and the second ejection section are disposed outside the angle of view of the camera.

[0010] A camera device of a fifth aspect of the present invention is the camera device of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the first ejection section and the second ejection section are branched off from each other.

[0011] A camera device of a sixth aspect of the present invention is a camera device of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein the minimum cross-section of the fluid flow path in the first jetting portion is larger than the minimum cross-section of the gas flow path in the second jetting portion.

[0012] A camera device of a seventh aspect of the present invention is the camera device of any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a heating mechanism for heating at least one of the first ejection part and the second ejection part.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the camera device of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the camera device of the present invention, the heating mechanism heats the transparent member.

[0014] A camera device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the camera device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a passage hole provided in the housing and through which gas passes.

[0015] The camera device of a tenth aspect of the present invention is the camera device of the ninth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a restricting member provided in the passage hole for allowing the passage of gas through the passage hole and restricting the passage of liquid through the passage hole.

[0016] A camera device of an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the camera device of the ninth or tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the container covers the passage hole.

[0017] A camera device of a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the camera device of any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention, wherein the container constitutes at least one of the first ejection part and the second ejection part.

[0018] A camera device of a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the camera device of any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, wherein the transparent member constitutes at least one of the first ejection part and the second ejection part.

[0019] A camera device of a 14th aspect of the present invention is a camera device of any one of the first to 13th aspects of the present invention, wherein the first jetting section and the second jetting section are branched off, a resistance member is provided in the second jetting section, and the resistance member applies a passing resistance to the gas jetted by the second jetting section, thereby increasing the amount of gas jetted by the first jetting section and decreasing the amount of gas jetted by the second jetting section.

[0020] A camera device of a 15th aspect of the present invention is the camera device of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects of the present invention, wherein the first injection section and the second injection section are branched off, an opening member that changes the degree of opening of the second injection section depending on the pressure of the gas is provided at the second injection section, and when the pressure of the gas supplied to the first injection section and the second injection section is low, the first injection section injects the gas and the opening member reduces the degree of opening of the second injection section to suppress the second injection section from injecting the gas, and when the pressure of the gas supplied to the first injection section and the second injection section is high, the first injection section injects the gas and the opening member increases the degree of opening of the second injection section to cause the second injection section to inject the gas. Effect of the Invention

[0021] In the camera device according to the first aspect of the present invention, a transparent member is provided in a housing, and a camera is housed in the housing. Further, the camera is provided with a lens, and the camera captures an image of the front side of the transparent member through the transparent member and the lens.

[0022] Here, the first ejector ejects a fluid onto the front side of the transparent member, and the second ejector ejects a gas into the container, which not only removes water droplets from the front side of the transparent member, but also removes fogging from the back side of the transparent member and the front side of the lens, allowing the camera to capture good images.

[0023] In the camera device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the nozzle through which the second jet unit jets gas is disposed closer to the transparent member than the camera excluding the lens, so that fogging on the back side of the transparent member and the front side of the lens can be effectively removed.

[0024] In the camera device of the third aspect of the present invention, the second ejection section ejects gas between the transparent member and the lens, which makes it possible to effectively remove fogging on the back side of the transparent member and the front side of the lens.

[0025] In the camera device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first and second jetting units are disposed outside the angle of view of the camera, which makes it possible to prevent the first and second jetting units from interfering with imaging by the camera.

[0026] In the camera device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first jetting unit and the second jetting unit are provided branched off from each other, which simplifies the configuration, unlike a case in which the first jetting unit and the second jetting unit are provided without branching off from each other.

[0027] In the camera device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the minimum cross section of the fluid flow path in the first ejector is made larger than the minimum cross section of the gas flow path in the second ejector, so that the amount of fluid ejected by the first ejector can be increased and water droplets on the front surface of the transparent member can be effectively removed.

[0028] In the camera device of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the heating mechanism heats at least one of the first jetting part and the second jetting part, which makes it possible to unfreeze at least one of the first jetting part and the second jetting part.

[0029] In the camera device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the heating mechanism heats the transparent member, so that water droplets on the front side of the transparent member and fogging on the back side of the transparent member can be effectively removed.

[0030] In the camera device of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the gas passes through the passage hole of the housing, so that the gas injected by the second injection part can be discharged to the outside of the housing.

[0031] In the camera device of the tenth aspect of the present invention, a restricting member is provided in the passage hole, and the restricting member allows the passage of gas through the passage hole and restricts the passage of liquid through the passage hole, thereby restricting the intrusion of liquid into the housing.

[0032] In the camera device of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the housing covers the passage hole, so that the housing can restrict the intrusion of liquid into the housing.

[0033] In the camera device of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the housing constitutes at least one of the first ejection part and the second ejection part, which allows for a simple configuration.

[0034] In the camera device of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the transparent member constitutes at least one of the first ejection section and the second ejection section, which allows for a simple configuration.

[0035] In the camera device of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the first and second jetting sections are branched off, and the second jetting section is provided with a resistance member, and the resistance member acts on the gas jetted by the second jetting section to increase the gas jetting amount of the first jetting section and decrease the gas jetting amount of the second jetting section. Therefore, the gas jetting amount of the first jetting section and the gas jetting amount of the second jetting section can be adjusted with a simple configuration.

[0036] In the camera device of the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a first injection section and a second injection section are branched off, and an opening member is provided on the second injection section, and the opening member changes the degree of opening of the second injection section in response to gas pressure.

[0037] Here, when the pressure of the gas supplied to the first and second injection sections is low, the first injection section injects gas, and the opening member reduces the degree of opening of the second injection section, so that the second injection section is suppressed from injecting gas. On the other hand, when the pressure of the gas supplied to the first and second injection sections is high, the first injection section injects gas, and the opening member increases the degree of opening of the second injection section, so that the second injection section injects gas. Therefore, the injection of gas from the second injection section can be adjusted depending on the pressure of the gas supplied to the first and second injection sections. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a camera device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where 1A is a front view seen from the front, and 1B is a side view seen from the left. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a camera device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where 1A is an oblique view seen from diagonally upward and downward to the left, and 1B is an oblique view seen from diagonally downward and downward to the left. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the main parts of a camera device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where 1A is an oblique view seen from diagonally upward and downward to the left, and 1B is an oblique view seen from diagonally downward and downward to the left. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. [Figure 8]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] [First embodiment] Fig. 1(A) shows a front view of the camera device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 1(B) shows a side view of the camera device 10 as viewed from the left. Fig. 2(A) shows a perspective view of the camera device 10 as viewed from the upper left, and Fig. 2(B) shows a perspective view of the camera device 10 as viewed from the lower left. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera device 10 as viewed from the left. In the drawings, the front of the camera device 10 is indicated by an arrow FR, the right side of the camera device 10 is indicated by an arrow RH, and the top of the camera device 10 is indicated by an arrow UP.

[0040] The camera device 10 according to this embodiment is installed on the outside of the vehicle, with the upper side of the camera device 10 facing toward the upper side of the vehicle and the front side of the camera device 10 facing toward the front side, rear side, or widthwise outer side of the vehicle.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1(A) and (B), Figures 2(A) and (B), and Figure 4, camera device 10 is provided with a roughly rectangular box-shaped bracket 12 that serves as a housing, and bracket 12 is fixed to a vehicle, with camera device 10 being installed on the outside of the vehicle.

[0042] The bracket 12 is provided with a substantially rectangular box-shaped bracket body 14 (see Figs. 3A and 3B) serving as a housing body. A metal (e.g., aluminum) front bracket 14A is provided on the front side of the bracket body 14, and a resin rear bracket 14B is provided on the rear side of the bracket 12, with the bracket body 14 being configured by assembling the front bracket 14A and the rear bracket 14B. An annular first seal 16 is sandwiched between the entire circumference of the rear end of the front bracket 14A and the entire circumference of the front end of the rear bracket 14B, and the first seal 16 provides a seal between the front bracket 14A and the rear bracket 14B.

[0043] A circular through hole 18 is formed through the front wall of the front bracket 14A, and the through hole 18 opens the inside of the bracket main body 14 forward. A rectangular through hole 20 is formed through the bottom wall of the front bracket 14A, and the through hole 20 opens the inside of the bracket main body 14 downward. A rectangular sheet-shaped limiting sheet 22 is fixed to the bottom side of the bottom wall of the front bracket 14A as a limiting member, and the limiting sheet 22 covers the entire lower side of the through hole 20. The limiting sheet 22 allows the passage of gas (particularly air) and restricts the passage of liquid (particularly water). Therefore, the limiting sheet 22 allows the passage of gas through the through hole 20 between the outside of the bracket main body 14 and the inside of the bracket main body 14, and restricts the passage of liquid through the through hole 20 between the outside of the bracket main body 14 and the inside of the bracket main body 14. A connection hole 24 is formed through the rear wall of the rear bracket 14B, and the connection hole 24 opens the inside of the bracket main body 14 backward.

[0044] A flow passage protrusion 26 having a U-shaped cross section is provided as an internal flow passage from the upper side to the front side of the front bracket 14A. An upper portion of the flow passage protrusion 26 is integral with the front bracket 14A and protrudes upward, and a front portion of the flow passage protrusion 26 is disposed forward of the front bracket 14A. An insertion hole 28 having a substantially rectangular cross section is formed between the front portion of the flow passage protrusion 26 and the front surface of the front bracket 14A, and the insertion hole 28 is open on the lower side and both the left and right sides.

[0045] A supply flow passage 30 having a rectangular cross section is formed in the upper portion of the flow passage projection 26, and the supply flow passage 30 extends in the front-rear direction and opens upward. A substantially cylindrical connecting tube 32 is integrally provided on the rear side of the upper portion of the flow passage projection 26, and the inside of the connecting tube 32 is connected to the supply flow passage 30. A pump 36 serving as a supply mechanism is connected to the connecting tube 32 via a connecting pipe 34, and the pump 36 is electrically connected to a control device 38 of the vehicle. The pump 36 is operated under the control of the control device 38 to pump and send air as a fluid and gas into the connecting tube 32 via the connecting pipe 34.

[0046] A main flow passage 40 having a rectangular cross section is formed as a first flow passage (flow passage) in the front portion of the flow passage protrusion 26, and the main flow passage 40 extends in a substantially vertical direction and opens to the front side. The upper end of the main flow passage 40 is connected to the front end of the supply flow passage 30, and the lower end of the main flow passage 40 is opened to form a main injection port 40A as a first injection port. The cross section of the main flow passage 40 becomes smaller from the top to the bottom, and the main injection port 40A of the main flow passage 40 has the smallest cross section of the main flow passage 40. The lower end of the main flow passage 40 extends in a direction toward the rear as it goes downward, and the main injection port 40A of the main flow passage 40 opens in a direction toward the rear as it goes downward.

[0047] Between the upper portion and the front portion of the flow passage protrusion 26, a sub-flow passage 42 having a rectangular cross section is formed as a second flow passage (flow passage), and the sub-flow passage 42 extends in a substantially vertical direction. The upper end of the sub-flow passage 42 penetrates the flow passage protrusion 26 in a substantially vertical direction and communicates with the front end of the supply flow passage 30, and the upper end of the sub-flow passage 42 is enlarged rearward as it goes upward, so that the cross section is enlarged. The portion other than the upper end of the sub-flow passage 42 is formed on the front surface of the front bracket 14A (the rear surface of the insertion hole 28), and the lower end of the sub-flow passage 42 is enlarged rearward as it goes downward, so that the cross section is enlarged. The lower end of the sub-flow passage 42 opens into the transmission hole 18 of the front bracket 14A, and is made into a sub-jet port 42A as a second jet port (jet port), and the sub-jet port 42A opens downward. The sub-passage 42 has a minimum cross section in a portion between its upper end and lower end, and the minimum cross section of the sub-passage 42 is smaller than the minimum cross section of the main passage 40 (main injection port 40A).

[0048] The bracket 12 is provided with a resin outer bracket 44 in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box, which serves as a cover, and the inside of the outer bracket 44 is open to the rear side. The outer bracket 44 is attached to the bracket body 14 with the front bracket 14A housed therein, and the outer bracket 44 covers the upper, lower, left, right and front surfaces of the front bracket 14A. The lower wall of the outer bracket 44 is disposed below the passage hole 20 and the limiting sheet 22 of the front bracket 14A, and the lower wall of the outer bracket 44 covers the entire lower side of the passage hole 20 and the limiting sheet 22. A substantially semi-elliptical imaging hole 46 is formed through the front wall of the outer bracket 44, and the upper surface of the imaging hole 46 extends in the left-right direction. The imaging hole 46 opens the inside of the outer bracket 44 forward, and faces the transmission hole 18 of the front bracket 14A.

[0049] A flow path frame 48 serving as an outer flow path section is provided integrally from the upper side to the front side of the outer bracket 44. An upper portion of the flow path frame 48 protrudes upward, and a front portion of the flow path frame 48 protrudes forward, with the flow path frame 48 having a U-shaped cross section and an interior opening to the inside of the outer bracket 44. In addition, the lower end surface of the front portion of the flow path frame 48 forms the upper surface of the imaging hole 46 of the outer bracket 44.

[0050] The upper part of the flow path protrusion 26 on the front bracket 14A is fitted into the upper part of the flow path frame 48, and the inner periphery of the upper part of the flow path frame 48 and the outer periphery of the upper part of the flow path protrusion 26 are sealed, and the outer periphery of the supply flow path 30 of the flow path protrusion 26 is sealed, so that the upper part of the flow path frame 48 and the upper part of the flow path protrusion 26 form a supply tube 50 as a supply section.

[0051] The front portion of the flow path protrusion 26 is fitted into the front portion of the flow path frame 48, and the inner periphery of the front portion of the flow path frame 48 and the outer periphery of the front portion of the flow path protrusion 26 are sealed, and the outer periphery of the main flow path 40 of the flow path protrusion 26 is sealed, so that the front portion of the flow path frame 48 and the front portion of the flow path protrusion 26 form a main nozzle 52 as a first injection part.

[0052] A camera 54 having a substantially rectangular columnar shape is fixed inside the bracket main body 14. An annular second seal 56 is sandwiched between the entire circumference of the rear surface of the camera 54 and the entire circumference of the rear wall of the rear bracket 14B, and the second seal 56 seals between the rear surface of the camera 54 and the rear wall of the rear bracket 14B. A lens 54A is provided at the center of the front end of the camera 54, and the lens 54A is exposed to the front side from the front surface of the camera 54 and is inserted into the transmission hole 18 of the front bracket 14A. In addition, the front end of the part of the camera 54 other than the lens 54A (the part on the radially outer side of the lens 54A) is disposed rearward of the sub-injection port 42A of the sub-flow passage 42 in the front bracket 14A.

[0053] The camera 54 is electrically connected to the control device 38 via the connection hole 24 of the rear bracket 14B, and the camera 54 captures an image of the front side via the lens 54A under the control of the control device 38. Also, the outer periphery of the transmission hole 18 of the front bracket 14A (including the sub-jet nozzle 42A of the sub-passage 42) and the outer periphery of the imaging hole 46 of the outer bracket 44 (including the main jet nozzle 40A of the main passage 40) are disposed outside the angle of view I (imaging range, see FIG. 4) of the camera 54. A monitor 58 serving as a display mechanism is electrically connected to the control device 38, and the monitor 58 is disposed within the vehicle cabin.

[0054] A substantially disk-shaped glass cover plate 60 is fixed to the front side of the front bracket 14A as a transparent member, and the cover plate 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 28 of the front bracket 14A and covers the entire front side of the transmission hole 18 of the front bracket 14A. The cover plate 60 is disposed in front of the lens 54A of the camera 54, and is made transparent so that light can pass through it. In addition, the sub-injection port 42A of the sub-flow passage 42 of the front bracket 14A is disposed near the upper side of the minimum gap portion between the cover plate 60 and the front surface (curved convex surface) of the lens 54A of the camera 54.

[0055] The space between the cover plate 60 and the front surface of the front bracket 14A (including the rear surface of the insertion hole 28) is sealed, thereby sealing the outer periphery of the sub-flow passage 42 of the front bracket 14A, and the front bracket 14A (including the flow passage protrusion 26) and the cover plate 60 form a sub-nozzle 62 as a second injection section.

[0056] A heater 64 in the form of a long film is provided as a heating mechanism from the front side to the left side of the bracket body 14. The portion between the front part and the left part of the heater 64 is bent, and the front part of the heater 64 is attached to the front side of the cover plate 60, and the left part of the heater 64 is attached to the left side of the bracket body 14. The upper part of the front part of the heater 64 is inserted into the insertion hole 28 of the front bracket 14A and is in surface contact with the front surface of the insertion hole 28. A circular through hole 64A is formed through the front part of the heater 64, and the through hole 64A is arranged coaxially with the lens 54A of the camera 54, and the peripheral surface is arranged outside the angle of view I of the camera 54. The front part of the heater 64 is provided with a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) element and is electrically connected to the control device 38 via the left part of the heater 64, and the heater 64 is operated under the control of the control device 38. When the heater 64 is operated, the front portion of the heater 64 receives current through the left portion of the heater 64 to generate heat, and the supply of current is limited above a predetermined temperature to keep the amount of heat generated constant.

[0057] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0058] In the camera device 10 configured as described above, the camera 54 is housed in the bracket 12 (in the bracket main body 14). The camera 54 is operated under the control of the control device 32 to capture an image of the outside of the vehicle (the front side (front side) of the cover plate 60) through the imaging hole 46 of the outer bracket 44, the through hole 64A of the heater 64, the cover plate 60, the transmission hole 18 of the front bracket 14A, and the lens 54A of the camera 54. Furthermore, the image captured by the camera 54 is displayed on the monitor 58 under the control of the control device 32, so that an occupant of the vehicle (particularly the driver) can visually check the image displayed on the monitor 58, thereby assisting the occupant in viewing the outside of the vehicle.

[0059] Furthermore, at least one of the pump 36 and the heater 64 is operated under the control of the control device 38 when the occupant performs a predetermined operation on the operating device (not shown), when the shift position of the vehicle's shift device (not shown) is set to a predetermined position (e.g., R position (reverse position)), and when a foreign object is detected on the front side of the cover plate 60, for example, from an image captured by the camera 54. The operating device and the shift device are electrically connected to the control device 38.

[0060] When the pump 36 is operated, the pump 36 pressure-feeds air through the connecting pipe 34, the connecting tube 32 in the bracket 12, and the supply flow path 30 in the supply tube 50 to the main flow path 40 in the main nozzle 52 and the sub-flow path 42 in the sub-nozzle 62, causing the main nozzle 52 to spray air from the main jet port 40A onto the front side (front surface) of the cover plate 60, and the sub-nozzle 62 to spray air from the sub jet port 42A to between the cover plate 60 and the lens 54A of the camera 54. As a result, water droplets on the front side of the cover plate 60 are removed by the air sprayed from the main nozzle 52 (main jet port 40A). Furthermore, the air sprayed from the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-nozzle 42A) causes forced convection of air within the bracket body 14, and in particular, the air passes through the passage hole 20 and the limiting sheet 22 from the sub-nozzle 42A between the cover plate 60 and the lens 54A, thereby removing fogging on the back surface (rear surface) of the cover plate 60 and the front surface (front surface) of the lens 54A.

[0061] When the heater 64 is operated, the front portion of the heater 64 generates heat, heating the cover plate 60. As a result, water droplets on the front side surface of the cover plate 60 are removed, and the cloudiness on the back side surface of the cover plate 60 is also removed.

[0062] Here, as described above, the main nozzle 52 injects air onto the front side of the cover plate 60, and the sub-nozzle 62 injects air into the bracket 12 (into the bracket body 14). This not only removes water droplets from the front side of the cover plate 60, but also removes fogging from the back side of the cover plate 60 and the front side of the lens 54A, allowing the camera 54 to properly image the front side of the cover plate 60 through the cover plate 60 and the lens 54A.

[0063] Furthermore, the minimum cross section (main jet port 40A) of the main flow passage 40 of the main nozzle 52 is made larger than the minimum cross section (the cross section of the portion other than the upper and lower ends of the sub-flow passage 42) of the sub-nozzle 62. This makes it possible to increase the amount of air jetted from the main nozzle 52, and effectively remove water droplets on the front surface of the cover plate 60.

[0064] In addition, the sub-injection port 42A of the sub-nozzle 62 is disposed closer to the cover plate 60 (front side) than the lens 54A of the camera 54. Therefore, fogging on the back side of the cover plate 60 and the front side of the lens 54A can be effectively removed.

[0065] Moreover, the sub-nozzle 62 injects air from the sub-injection port 42A into between the cover plate 60 and the lens 54A, which makes it possible to more effectively remove fogging on the back side of the cover plate 60 and the front side of the lens 54A.

[0066] Furthermore, air passes through the passage holes 20 of the bracket body 14. Therefore, the air injected into the bracket body 14 by the sub-nozzle 62 can be discharged to the outside of the bracket body 14 via the passage holes 20, allowing the air to circulate satisfactorily within the bracket body 14, effectively removing fogging on the back side of the cover plate 60 and the front side of the lens 54A.

[0067] In addition, a limiting sheet 22 is provided in the passage hole 20, which allows air to pass through the passage hole 20 while restricting the passage of liquid through the passage hole 20. For this reason, even when the vehicle is washed with a high-pressure car washer, for example, the limiting sheet 22 can restrict liquid (cleaning liquid from the high-pressure car washer) from entering the bracket main body 14 through the passage hole 20, and can suppress the liquid from adhering to the back side of the cover plate 60 and the front side of the lens 54A. Moreover, since the limiting sheet 22 allows air to pass through the passage hole 20, air can still pass through the passage hole 20.

[0068] Furthermore, the lower wall of the outer bracket 44 covers the passage hole 20 and the lower side of the limiting sheet 22 (the outside of the bracket body 14). Therefore, the outer bracket 44 can further restrict the intrusion of liquid into the bracket body 14. Moreover, a separate member for covering the bracket 12 is no longer necessary, and the camera device 10 can be made smaller.

[0069] Furthermore, as the front portion of the heater 64 generates heat, the front portion of the heater 64 heats the main nozzle 52 (the front portion of the flow passage protrusion 26 of the front bracket 14A) and the sub-nozzle 62 (cover plate 60). This makes it possible to unfreeze the main flow passage 40 of the main nozzle 52 and the sub-flow passage 42 of the sub-nozzle 62. In particular, since the front bracket 14A is made of metal, the main nozzle 52 can effectively transmit the heat from the front portion of the heater 64, and the main flow passage 40 of the main nozzle 52 can be effectively unfreezed.

[0070] Moreover, as described above, the front portion of the heater 64 heats the cover plate 60. Therefore, water droplets (including frost, dew, snow and ice) on the front side of the cover plate 60 and fogging on the back side of the cover plate 60 can be effectively removed.

[0071] Furthermore, the main nozzles 52 and the sub-nozzles 62 are disposed outside the angle of view I of the camera 54. This makes it possible to prevent the main nozzles 52 and the sub-nozzles 62 from interfering with the imaging of the camera 54.

[0072] Furthermore, in the bracket 12, the main nozzle 52 and the sub-nozzle 62 are provided branching off from the supply tube 50. Therefore, unlike a case in which the main nozzle 52 and the sub-nozzle 62 are provided without branching off, the main nozzle 52 and the sub-nozzle 62 can share the supply tube 50, the connecting tube 32, the connecting pipe 34, and the pump 36, simplifying the configuration.

[0073] Furthermore, the bracket body 14 and the outer bracket 44 form the main nozzle 52, while the bracket body 14 and the cover plate 60 form the sub-nozzle 62. This allows the structure of the camera device 10 to be simplified.

[0074] [Second embodiment] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a camera device 70 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left.

[0075] The camera device 70 according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0076] 5, in the camera device 70 according to this embodiment, the cover plate 60 is made of resin, and a cover body 72 is provided, and the cover body 72 is provided by integrally forming the cover plate 60, the front portion of the flow path protrusion 26, and the portion other than the flow path frame 48 of the outer bracket 44. The flow path frame 48 of the outer bracket 44 is formed separately from the cover body 72 and fixed to the cover body 72. In addition, the front portion of the heater 64 is fixed inside the cover body 72 by insert molding.

[0077] Here, in this embodiment as well, except for the effects and advantages resulting from the flow path projections 26 being made of metal, it is possible to achieve the same effects and advantages as in the first embodiment.

[0078] In particular, the cover body 72 (the front portion of the flow passage protrusion 26) and the outer bracket 44 (the flow passage frame 48) form the main nozzle 52, while the front bracket 14A (including the upper portion of the flow passage protrusion 26) and the cover body 72 (the front portion of the flow passage protrusion 26 and the cover plate 60) form the sub-nozzle 62. This allows the configuration of the camera device 70 to be simplified.

[0079] Furthermore, in the cover body 72, the front portion of the flow passage protrusion 26 and the cover plate 60 are integrated to form the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-flow passage 42). Therefore, it is possible to prevent air in the sub-flow passage 42 from leaking from between the front portion of the flow passage protrusion 26 and the cover plate 60.

[0080] In the first and second embodiments, the sub-nozzle 62 has a sub-jet nozzle 42A disposed in front of the lens 54A of the camera 54 (closer to the cover plate 60). However, it is sufficient that the sub-jet nozzle 42A of the sub-nozzle 62 is disposed in front of the portion of the camera 54 other than the lens 54A (closer to the cover plate 60). Moreover, the sub-jet nozzle 42A of the sub-nozzle 62 may be disposed rearward (opposite the cover plate 60) from the front end of the portion of the camera 54 other than the lens 54A and in front of the second seal 56. That is, it is sufficient that the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-jet nozzle 42A) injects air into the gap between the bracket 12 and the camera 54, thereby convecting air between the cover plate 60 and the lens 54A.

[0081] In the first and second embodiments, the main nozzle 52 and the sub-nozzle 62 are provided branched off. However, the main nozzle 52 and the sub-nozzle 62 may be provided without branching off. In this case, the main nozzle 52 and the sub-nozzle 62 may be connected to different pumps 36. Moreover, the main nozzle 52 and the sub-nozzle 62 may be connected to a common pump 36, and in this case, the destination of the air supplied by the pump 36 may be switched between the main nozzle 52 and the sub-nozzle 62.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the main nozzle 52 sprays gas (air). However, the main nozzle 52 may spray liquid (for example, water). In this case, the main nozzle 52 and the sub-nozzle 62 are provided without being branched.

[0083] [Third embodiment] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a camera device 80 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left.

[0084] A camera device 80 according to this embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0085] 6, in the camera device 80 according to this embodiment, a rectangular sub-flow passage 42 of a sub-nozzle 62 is formed penetrating the lower part (bottom part) of the upper part of the flow passage protrusion 26 of the bracket main body 14 (front bracket 14A), and the lower end of the sub-flow passage 42 is made into a sub-jet port 42A and communicates with the inside of the bracket main body 14. In addition, the minimum cross section of the sub-flow passage 42 is made larger than the minimum cross section of the main flow passage 40 (main jet port 40A).

[0086] A rectangular sheet-like filter 82 (e.g., a porous film) serving as a resistance member is fixed to the underside of the upper portion of the flow path protrusion 26. The filter 82 covers the entire underside of the sub-flow path 42 (sub-jet nozzle 42A), and applies a passing resistance to the air jetted by the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-jet nozzle 42A).

[0087] Incidentally, when the pump 36 is operated, the pump 36 pressure-feeds air through the connecting pipe 34, the connecting tube 32 in the bracket 12, and the supply flow path 30 in the supply tube 50 to the main flow path 40 in the main nozzle 52 and the sub-flow path 42 in the sub-nozzle 62, causing the main nozzle 52 to spray air from the main jet port 40A onto the front side (front surface) of the cover plate 60, and the sub-nozzle 62 to spray air from the sub-jet port 42A into the bracket body 14. As a result, water droplets on the front side of the cover plate 60 are removed by the air sprayed from the main nozzle 52 (main jet port 40A). Furthermore, the air sprayed from the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-nozzle 42A) causes forced convection of air within the bracket body 14, and in particular, the air passes through the passage hole 20 and the limiting sheet 22 from the sub-nozzle 42A between the cover plate 60 and the lens 54A of the camera 54, thereby removing fogging on the back surface (rear surface) of the cover plate 60 and the front surface (front surface) of the lens 54A.

[0088] Here, in this embodiment as well, it is possible to achieve the same functions and effects as in the first embodiment.

[0089] In particular, the filter 82 applies a passage resistance to the air sprayed by the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-jet port 42A). This allows the amount of air sprayed by the sub-nozzle 62 to be reduced and the amount of air sprayed by the main nozzle 52 to be increased, effectively removing water droplets on the front side of the cover plate 60. Even if the amount of air sprayed by the sub-nozzle 62 is reduced, air can circulate within the bracket body 14, removing fogging on the back side of the cover plate 60 and the front side of the lens 54A. Moreover, the filter 82 allows the amount of air sprayed by the sub-nozzle 62 to be reduced and the amount of air sprayed by the main nozzle 52 to be increased, allowing the amount of air sprayed by the sub-nozzle 62 and the amount of air sprayed by the main nozzle 52 to be adjusted with a simple configuration.

[0090] Furthermore, the filter 82 covers the entire lower side of the sub-passage 42 of the bracket body 14. Therefore, the filter 82 can prevent foreign matter from entering the bracket body 14.

[0091] [Fourth embodiment] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a camera device 90 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left.

[0092] The camera device 90 according to this embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the third embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0093] 7, in the camera device 90 according to this embodiment, a support protrusion 14C is integrally provided on the upper wall of the bracket main body 14 (front bracket 14A) below the front portion of the sub-passage 42, and the support protrusion 14C protrudes rearward. A U-shaped plate-shaped front seal 92 is provided on the upper wall of the front bracket 14A below the front portion of the sub-passage 42 and above the support protrusion 14C, and the inside of the front seal 92 is open to the rear. A U-shaped plate-shaped rear seal 94 is provided on the upper wall of the front bracket 14A below the rear portion of the sub-passage 42, and the inside of the rear seal 94 is open to the front.

[0094] A curved plate-shaped open valve 96 is disposed in the sub-passage 42 as an open member, and a front portion of the open valve 96 is disposed vertically in the up-down direction, while a rear portion of the open valve 96 is inclined downward toward the rear. A cylindrical rotating shaft 96A is fixed to a middle portion (bent portion) in the front-rear direction of the open valve 96, and the rotating shaft 96A protrudes on both sides in the left-right direction. The rotating shaft 96A is rotatably supported on an upper wall of the front bracket 14A, and the open valve 96 is rotatable in a closing direction A and an opening direction B about the rotating shaft 96A. A front portion of the open valve 96 is disposed above the front seal 92, and a rear portion of the open valve 96 is disposed below the rear seal 94, and the area of ​​the upper surface of the rear portion of the open valve 96 is larger than the area of ​​the upper surface of the front portion of the open valve 96.

[0095] A spring 98 serving as a biasing member is stretched between a front portion of the open valve 96 and the support projection 14C, and the spring 98 is a tension coil spring, which biases the open valve 96 in the closing direction A. The front end, left end, and right end of the front portion of the open valve 96 abut against a front seal 92, and the gap between the front portion and the upper wall of the front bracket 14A is sealed by the front seal 92, and the rear end, left end, and right end of the rear portion of the open valve 96 abut against a rear seal 94, and the gap between the rear portion and the upper wall of the front bracket 14A is sealed by the rear seal 94. Therefore, the open valve 96 substantially closes the sub-passage 42, reducing the degree of opening of the sub-passage 42.

[0096] Incidentally, when the pump 36 is operated at low output and the pressure of the air that the pump 36 pumps through the connecting pipe 34 and the connecting tube 32 of the bracket 12 to the supply passage 30 in the supply tube 50 is reduced, the degree of opening of the sub-passage 42 by the release valve 96 is reduced. As a result, air is pumped to the main passage 40 in the main nozzle 52, and the main nozzle 52 sprays air from the main jet port 40A to the front side surface (front surface) of the cover plate 60, whereby the air sprayed from the main nozzle 52 (main jet port 40A) removes water droplets on the front side surface of the cover plate 60. In addition, the release valve 96 suppresses the spraying of air from the sub-passage 42 (sub jet port 42A) of the sub-nozzle 62.

[0097] On the other hand, when the pump 36 is operated at high power and the pressure of the air that the pump 36 pumps through the connecting pipe 34 and the connecting cylinder 32 of the bracket 12 to the supply flow passage 30 in the supply cylinder 50 is increased, the air pressure rotates the release valve 96 in the opening direction B against the biasing force of the spring 98, increasing the degree of opening of the sub-flow passage 42. As a result, air is pumped into the main flow passage 40 in the main nozzle 52, and the main nozzle 52 sprays air from the main jet port 40A onto the front side surface (front face) of the cover plate 60, so that water droplets on the front side surface of the cover plate 60 are removed by the air sprayed from the main nozzle 52 (main jet port 40A). Furthermore, the sub-nozzle 62 injects air from the sub-nozzle nozzle 42A into the bracket body 14, and the air injected from the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-nozzle nozzle 42A) causes forced convection of the air within the bracket body 14, and in particular the air passes through the passage hole 20 and the limiting sheet 22 from the sub-nozzle nozzle 42A between the cover plate 60 and the lens 54A of the camera 54, removing fogging on the back surface (rear surface) of the cover plate 60 and the front surface (front surface) of the lens 54A.

[0098] Here, in this embodiment as well, it is possible to achieve the same functions and effects as in the first embodiment.

[0099] Furthermore, when the pump 36 is operated at low power (when the pressure of the air pumped by the pump 36 is reduced), the degree of opening of the sub-flow path 42 by the release valve 96 is reduced, and the injection of air from the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-jet port 42A) is suppressed. On the other hand, when the pump 36 is operated at high power (when the pressure of the air pumped by the pump 36 is increased), the degree of opening of the sub-flow path 42 by the release valve 96 is increased, and air is injected from the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-jet port 42A). Therefore, by adjusting the pressure of the air pumped by the pump 36, the injection of air from the sub-nozzle 62 can be adjusted.

[0100] Furthermore, when the pump 36 is operated at low output, the injection of air from the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-jet port 42A) is suppressed by the release valve 96. This makes it possible to prevent the amount of air injected from the main jet port 40A of the main nozzle 52 from decreasing.

[0101] [Fifth embodiment] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a camera device 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left.

[0102] The camera device 100 according to this embodiment has a configuration almost similar to that of the fourth embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 8, in the camera device 100 according to this embodiment, a spring 98 is suspended between the support protrusion 14C on the upper wall of the front bracket 14A and the rear portion of the release valve 96. The spring 98 is a compression coil spring and applies a biasing force to the release valve 96 in the closing direction A.

[0104] Here, in this embodiment as well, it is possible to achieve the same functions and effects as in the fourth embodiment.

[0105] In the fourth and fifth embodiments, a spring 98 (tension coil spring or compression coil spring) is hung between the support protrusion 14C on the upper wall of the front bracket 14A and the open valve 96, and the spring 98 applies a biasing force to the open valve 96 in the closing direction A. However, the rotating shaft 96A of the open valve 96 may be inserted into a torsion coil spring (biasing member) such that one end of the torsion coil spring is engaged with the open valve 96 and the other end of the torsion coil spring is engaged with the upper wall of the front bracket 14A, so that the torsion coil spring applies a biasing force to the open valve 96 in the closing direction A.

[0106] In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-flow passage 42), the release valve 96, and the biasing member are provided on the front bracket 14A. However, the sub-nozzle 62 (sub-flow passage 42), the release valve 96, and the biasing member may be provided between the connecting pipe 34 and the front bracket 14A.

[0107] In the first to fifth embodiments, the image captured by the camera 54 is displayed on the monitor 58. However, the image captured by the camera 54 does not have to be displayed on the monitor 58, and for example, the detection target may be detected based on the image captured by the camera 54.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above first to fifth embodiments, the camera devices 10, 70, 80, 90, and 100 are installed outside the vehicle. However, the camera devices 10, 70, 80, 90, and 100 may be installed outdoors or indoors instead of on the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10 camera device, 12 bracket (housing body), 20 passage hole, 22 limiting sheet (limiting member), 40 main flow path (flow path), 42 sub flow path (flow path), 42A sub jet nozzle (jet nozzle), 52 main nozzle (first jet section), 54 camera, 54A lens, 60 cover plate (transparent member), 62 sub nozzle (second jet section), 64 heater (heating mechanism), 70 camera device, 80 camera device, 82 filter (resistance member), 90 camera device, 96 release valve (release member), 100 camera device

Claims

1. A container in which a light transmitting member is provided; a camera that is accommodated in the accommodation body and has a lens provided thereon, and captures an image of the front side of the transparent member through the transparent member and the lens; A first ejection unit that ejects a fluid onto a front side of the transparent member; A second injection unit that injects gas into the container; A camera device comprising:

2. 2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein an outlet from which the second ejection section ejects gas is disposed on the transparent member side of the camera excluding the lens.

3. The camera device according to claim 1 , wherein the second jetting portion jets gas between the transparent member and the lens.

4. The camera device according to claim 1 , wherein the first ejection section and the second ejection section are disposed outside the angle of view of the camera.

5. The camera device according to claim 1 , wherein the first ejection section and the second ejection section are provided branched off from each other.

6. 2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the minimum cross section of the fluid flow path in said first ejection portion is larger than the minimum cross section of the gas flow path in said second ejection portion.

7. The camera device according to claim 1 , further comprising a heating mechanism for heating at least one of the first ejection section and the second ejection section.

8. 8. The camera device according to claim 7, wherein the heating mechanism heats the transparent member.

9. The camera device according to claim 1 , further comprising a passage hole provided in the container through which gas passes.

10. 10. The camera device according to claim 9, further comprising a restricting member provided in the passage hole for allowing the passage of gas through the passage hole and restricting the passage of liquid through the passage hole.

11. The camera device according to claim 9 , wherein the housing covers the passage hole.

12. The camera device according to claim 1 , wherein the container constitutes at least one of the first ejection unit and the second ejection unit.

13. The camera device according to claim 1 , wherein the transparent member constitutes at least one of the first ejection portion and the second ejection portion.

14. 2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the first injection section and the second injection section are branched off, a resistance member is provided in the second injection section, and the resistance member acts to apply a passing resistance to the gas injected by the second injection section, thereby increasing the amount of gas injected from the first injection section and decreasing the amount of gas injected from the second injection section.

15. 2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the first injection section and the second injection section are branched off, the second injection section is provided with an opening member that changes the degree of opening of the second injection section depending on the pressure of the gas, and when the pressure of the gas supplied to the first injection section and the second injection section is low, the first injection section injects the gas and the opening member reduces the degree of opening of the second injection section to suppress the second injection section from injecting the gas, and when the pressure of the gas supplied to the first injection section and the second injection section is high, the first injection section injects the gas and the opening member increases the degree of opening of the second injection section to cause the second injection section to inject the gas.

Images