Camera temperature control device, temperature control system, and temperature control method

Abstract

To efficiently perform control to maintain the quality of the camera's imaging function while achieving low power consumption even when the surrounding temperature changes over a wide range.SOLUTION: A camera includes a camera device housed within a housing, a heater glass disposed in a window portion of the housing at a distance in front of the imaging lens, a heat source carrying system control components of the camera device, a fan mounting board having a fan device disposed adjacent to the heat source, and an airflow guide portion for directing airflow from the fan device between the heater glass and the imaging lens.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a temperature management device, a temperature management system, and a temperature management method for a camera. [Background technology]

[0002] When the surrounding temperature changes, the surveillance camera device may experience fogging of the glass in front of the surveillance camera, condensation inside the housing, or even freezing of the glass. Therefore, the surveillance camera device is equipped with environmental countermeasures such as a function to remove the fogging phenomenon on the glass, a function to prevent the glass from freezing, and a function to prevent condensation inside the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-087002 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-143257 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2005-094545 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional surveillance camera devices, the orientation of the imaging unit can be physically changed using a pan-tilt mechanism. In these surveillance camera devices, when the imaging unit needs to maintain an appropriate temperature for optimal operation, the pan-tilt mechanism rotates the imaging unit to a position where it is exposed to the wind from a fan device, thereby realizing a temperature adjustment system.

[0005] There are also surveillance camera devices that have a fan unit installed inside the housing of the surveillance camera device. In these surveillance camera devices, when temperature control is performed to prevent condensation inside the housing, a temperature control system is realized that circulates the air blown out from the fan unit inside the housing.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a surveillance camera device that has a front heater glass on the front side of the surveillance camera device. In this surveillance camera device, when it becomes cold enough that the front heater glass freezes, a temperature adjustment system is realized that supplies power to the front heater glass to prevent freezing.

[0007] As described above, in the past, in order to obtain an optimal imaging environment for the imaging unit, there have been various individual technologies, such as a technology for rotating the imaging unit using a pan-tilt mechanism, a technology for preventing condensation inside the housing by circulating wind from a fan device, and a technology for preventing freezing by turning the heater on and off on the front heater glass.

[0008] However, in recent years, there has been a demand for a system that comprehensively realizes functions for maintaining an optimal shooting environment for the imaging unit while also saving power.

[0009] Therefore, the object of this embodiment is to provide a camera temperature management device, temperature management system, and temperature management method that can efficiently perform control to maintain the quality of the camera's shooting function while achieving low power consumption even when the surrounding temperature changes over a wide range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one embodiment, a housing having a window and a device disposed inside the housing, The present invention provides a temperature management device for a camera, the temperature management device including: a camera device accommodated in the housing with an imaging lens facing the window from inside the housing; a heater glass disposed in the window and positioned in front of the imaging lens at a distance; a heat source disposed along a predetermined surface of the camera device and equipped with at least a system control component; a fan device that blows air in the direction of the heat source of the camera device; and an air path direction changer that guides the air from the fan to between the heater glass and the imaging lens. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A]FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the exterior of a surveillance camera device to which an embodiment is applied. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a schematic internal configuration of a surveillance camera device to which an embodiment is applied. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a front view of the surveillance camera device with the heater glass removed. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the surveillance camera device with the heater glass removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the constituent blocks of the surveillance camera device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing some of the components constituting the camera device in the surveillance camera device. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a front view showing the front of the camera device. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a side view showing the side of the camera device. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a front view showing the front of the surveillance camera device. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view showing the surveillance camera device cut along line AA and viewed from the side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow paths inside the surveillance camera device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between temperature control elements inside the surveillance camera device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the influence of the heat source on the ON range of the heater glass with respect to the range of change in the outside air temperature around the surveillance camera device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B, 2A and 2B, and 3 are diagrams for explaining the schematic configuration of a surveillance camera device 100 to which an embodiment is applied. Fig. 1A shows a state in which the openings of a bottomed cylindrical exterior housing 110 and an inner housing 111 are closed by a lid 112, and Fig. 1B shows a state in which the lid 112 is removed from the openings of the exterior housing 110 and the inner housing 111 to reveal the inside. Note that the double exterior housing 110 and the side housing 111 may be collectively referred to as a housing. The exterior housing 110 mainly serves as a sunshade (outer cover).

[0013] The exterior housing 110 and the inner housing 111 form a double housing and are coaxially integrated by a fixing means. A gap is formed between the exterior housing 110 and the inner housing 111, which also provides a heat insulating effect.

[0014] Moreover, on the inside of the inner housing 111, mounting parts are formed for positioning and fixing various components when the various components are housed therein.

[0015] Reference numeral 114 denotes a ring-shaped packing that functions for waterproofing and is disposed along the thick edge of the opening of inner housing 111. Fig. 3 shows the state before camera device 200 is stored inside inner housing 111.

[0016] 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3, the surveillance camera device 100 has a window 113, which appears in Fig. 2A and 2B, opened in a part of the cylindrical portion of the exterior housing 110 and the interior housing 111, and this window 113 is closed by a heater glass 122 held by a frame 121. The frame 121 is fixed to the window of the interior housing 111 with screws (see Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B). The exterior housing 110 serves as a sunshade.

[0017] The heater glass 122 has a transparent electrode, and by passing a current through this transparent electrode, it is possible to control the temperature of the heater glass 122 and prevent fogging on the heater glass 122. This is called anti-fogging.

[0018] A wiper drive mechanism 130 is attached to the upper side of the window portion 113 of the inner housing 111, and the wiper 131 rotates to clean the front surface of the heater glass 122. A wiper drive motor 135 for driving the wiper drive mechanism 130 is housed inside the inner housing 111.

[0019] A camera device 200 is further housed inside the inner housing 111. The camera device 200 is disposed with an imaging lens 212 facing the window portion 113 from inside the inner housing 111 (see FIG. 3).

[0020] In this case, a system control board 280 is attached parallel to and spaced apart from the side surface of the camera body 211. Furthermore, system control components (such as a CPU, a power supply circuit using a switching regulator, a capacitor, and a resistive element) that become heat sources, which will be described later, are attached to the system control board 280. As a result, as will be described later, it can rectify (make smooth, well-flowing air) the air blown from the fan 262 (air with fan wavy motion), and this arrangement can also play a role in making it easier to warm the air flowing along the board 20 by heat generation (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0021] When the camera device 200, the system control board 280, etc. are housed and fixed in the above-mentioned inner housing 111 and the lid 112 is closed, the worker can basically fix them by tightening the screws in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylindrical housing. In other words, it is designed so that a series of operations can be performed from the opening side of the housing, and the efficiency of the assembly work is improved.

[0022] 4 shows an exploded view of the components of camera device 200. Camera device 200 has a camera body 211 with an imaging lens 212 integrated therein. This camera body 211 further has a camera control board 214 inside a camera housing 213 for controlling the focus, exposure, and other aspects of the camera itself. Camera housing 213 is, for example, a prismatic box that is long in the front-to-rear direction and has the imaging lens 212 on its front surface.

[0023] The camera control board 214 is often attached to a chassis inside the bottom plate (lower plate) of the camera housing 213. The camera control board 214 is equipped with at least a control part (sometimes called a CPU or controller) as a circuit part, and also with power supply parts (including control parts such as a switching regulator).

[0024] In addition, communication devices may be installed depending on the environment in which the camera is used. Therefore, the components of the camera control board 214 generate heat during operation, and the camera control board 214 may also be called a heat source.

[0025] Furthermore, a fan mounting substrate 250 is disposed on the outer side of the bottom plate of the camera body 211 so as to maintain a distance from the bottom plate. The fan mounting substrate 250 has a fan mounting hole 251. The fan mounting substrate 250 also has an air passage regulating section 252 at its rear edge so as to prevent the air sent from the fan mounting hole 251 from turning to the rear of the camera body 211. The fan mounting substrate 250 also has an air passage direction changing section (wing) 253 at its front edge so as to change the direction of the air sent from the fan mounting hole 251 to the direction of the gap between the heater glass 122 and the imaging lens 212. Note that the air passage regulating section 252 and the air passage direction changing section 253 have been described as being integral with the fan mounting substrate 250, but it goes without saying that they may each be composed of separate parts. The fan mounting substrate 250 is fixed to the outer side of the bottom plate of the camera body 211 by screws or the like.

[0026] Reference numeral 260 denotes a fan device, and a fan 262 and its drive motor are attached to a fan housing 261. This fan device 260 is fixed to a fan mounting hole 251 of the fan mounting board 250 from below the fan mounting board 250 with, for example, a screw.

[0027] 270 is a heater, and is disposed on the underside of the fan mounting board 250, for example, between the fan mounting hole 251 and the airflow direction change section 253. However, in this system, since the airflow path F described later is set and the airflow circulates, the influence of the temperature when the heater 270 generates heat spreads throughout the entire interior of the camera, and therefore the mounting position of the heater 270 is not limited. In other words, the mounting position of the heater 270 may be upstream or downstream of the flow path F of the fan device 260. In addition, coupled with the rectifying effect of the system control board 280, the influence of the temperature generated by the heater 270 tends to spread evenly throughout the entire interior of the camera. This relaxes the restrictions on the mounting position of the heater 270, which is advantageous in terms of device design.

[0028] 5A and 5B are a front view and a side view of the assembled camera device 200. As shown in Fig. 1B and Fig. 3, the camera device 200 is housed and fixed inside the inner housing 111. Then, as shown in Fig. 1A, the lid 112 is closed. Note that the system control board 280 is not shown in Fig. 1B.

[0029] Fig. 6A is a front view of the surveillance camera device 100 as seen from the front. Fig. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of the surveillance camera device 100 cut along line AA in Fig. 6A and seen from the side. The tip of the wiper 131 is rotated back and forth in the direction of the arrow (see Fig. 6A) by a motor, and can clean the front surface of the heater glass 122. Snow, frost, dust, raindrops, etc. are wiped away by the wiper 131. The camera device 200 is supported at multiple points by supports to maintain a stable posture inside the inner housing 111.

[0030] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a main flow path F of the wind blown out by the fan device 260 inside the surveillance camera device. The wind flow path is not limited to flow path F, but extends around the camera body, but here, the flow path that is of particular interest in the system of this embodiment will be described as flow path F.

[0031] The wind from the fan device 260 is blown onto the camera control board (heat source) 214 at the bottom of the camera device 200, and is rectified by the system control board 280 (see Figs. 3, 4, and 5A). In particular, airflow regulation section 252 and airflow direction conversion section 253 are provided in flow path F, and therefore flow path F advances along heater 270 and penetrates into the gap between heater glass 122 and the imaging lens. In particular, the efficient penetration of flow path F into the gap between heater glass 122 and the imaging lens means that the temperature of the air flowing through flow path F and the temperature of heater glass 122 are likely to affect each other.

[0032] Furthermore, the system control board 280 provides temperature control throughout the interior of the inner housing 111 .

[0033] The flow path F described above advances toward the rear of the camera device 200 along the gap between the upper portion (top plate portion) of the camera device 200 and the lower portion of the housing of the wiper drive motor 135. Next, the flow path F wraps around the rear of the camera device 200. Then, the flow path F wraps around the rear of the camera device 200, wraps around the lower side of the fan device 260, and enters the suction section.

[0034] In this device, the flow path F at this time provides efficient temperature control, particularly for the heater glass 122. The temperature inside the entire surveillance camera device 100 is also efficiently affected by heat generated by the system control board 280. This is because the system control board 280, which serves as a heat source on the side of the camera body, rectifies the airflow from the fan, efficiently mixing the effects of the heat temperature around the camera body. In this sense, it is preferable that the components mounted on the system control board 280 that generate a large amount of heat are disposed on the camera body side, but this is not limited to this. In addition, an air path direction changer (piece) similar to the air path direction changer 253 may be formed or attached to the above-mentioned system control board 280.

[0035] Thermometers (not shown) are provided at multiple locations along the flow path F to constantly monitor the temperature inside the surveillance camera device 100. The thermometers are located, for example, near the air passage direction changing section 253, near the top of the heater glass 122, or in front of the suction section of the fan device 260. Note that the number and locations of the thermometers are not limited to these.

[0036] Although not shown, the inside of the inner housing 111 is a waterproof sealed case, and although it has no holes, it is provided with a waterproof valve for keeping the air pressure the same as the outside air pressure.

[0037] In the above device, the temperature of the air passing through the flow path F, particularly the heater glass 122, is configured to be easily affected by heat radiation (which may be called the temperature inside the device) from the heat source (particularly the system control board 280) of the camera device 200. This function is actively incorporated in this device. The temperature of the air passing through the flow path F is also affected by the heat radiation (high to low heat radiation is possible) depending on the state of power supply to the heater glass 122.

[0038] In other words, this system is unique in that it is configured to utilize the temperature effects on the inside of the camera due to three types of heat radiation: heat radiation from inevitable heat sources (system control board 280 and camera control board 214) and heat radiation from controllable heat sources of heater 270 and heater glass 122. The position of heater 270 is not necessarily limited to the lower surface of fan mounting board 250, and may be anywhere in flow path F.

[0039] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between temperature control elements inside the surveillance camera device. The thick dashed arrow in the figure indicates flow path F in particular and indicates the flow of heat that has a large effect on the heater glass 122.

[0040] In the inner housing 111 of the camera body, the air blown out by the fan device 260 is influenced by the temperature H1 of the system control board (equipped with a CPU) 280 of the camera device 200, and further influenced by the temperature H2 of the heater 270, and this air is redirected and can be influenced by the temperature H3 of the heater glass 122 (temperature controlled). Here, the opening near the air path direction changing section 253 of the flow path F is made smaller than the opening of the fan, thereby increasing the flow rate and allowing the air to hit the entire surface of the glass more effectively. In other words, a structure is formed in which the air pressure blown from the air path direction changing section 253 is high relative to the space on the inner side of the heater glass 122.

[0041] The temperature of this airflow is measured by a thermometer group 400 at multiple points in the flow path F, and the temperature information is notified to the CPU of the system control board 280 of the camera device 200.

[0042] Based on temperature information (which may be referred to as feedback information), the CPU of the system control board 280 controls the heat generation of the heater 270, on / off control of the airflow of the fan device 260, and heat generation control of the heater glass 122. The control of the heater 270, heater glass 122, fan device 260, etc. may be not only on / off control, but also strong, medium, and weak control, or dynamic control. These control signals are given from the CPU of the system control board 280 to units such as the heater 270, heater glass 122, fan device 260, etc.

[0043] One method for creating control data to give control signals to each unit is to place a surveillance camera in a test room. For example, the temperature, humidity, etc. of the test room are changed to various conditions to detect and measure fogging of the heater glass, freezing, and condensation inside the housing. For example, by obtaining information on the environment (external temperature, humidity, temperature inside the housing) that causes fogging of the heater glass and finding the temperature at which the heater glass can be prevented from fogging, a database for anti-fogging can be constructed.

[0044] Fig. 9 shows an example of the range of change in the outside air temperature around a surveillance camera device. In Fig. 9, the vertical axis indicates temperature, and the horizontal axis indicates the transition of temperature change.

[0045] Now, the diagram shows an area where the temperature outside the surveillance camera device rose from 0 degrees to 40 degrees, then dropped from 40 degrees to 0 degrees (8B), then dropped from 0 degrees to -30 degrees, and then further changed from -30 degrees to 0 degrees (areas 8C and 8D).

[0046] In the figure, line L1 indicates the boundary where the power supply to heater 270 is turned on or off, and is the line where the temperature is, for example, about −10° C. In this system, heater 270 is controlled to be turned off when the temperature is higher than −10° C., and is controlled to be turned on when the temperature is lower than −10° C.

[0047] Line L2 indicates the boundary where fan device 260 is turned on or off, and is the line at a temperature of approximately -30° C. In this system, fan device 260 is controlled to be turned on when the temperature is higher than -30° C., and is controlled to be turned off when the temperature is lower than -30° C. Here, an example will be described in which the temperature of each area is set by system control in accordance with the external environment (for example, when the season changes, or when the surveillance camera device is moved to a location with a different environment, etc.). <Summer control> Area 8B is a control area that is set when the environmental temperature is high. For example, it is a control area suitable for summer. In summer, when the environmental temperature is high (the outside temperature is high) and there is a large difference between the temperature inside the camera, fogging occurs on the inside of the glass in front of the camera. An example of a case where the outside temperature is high is a hot and humid environment such as during the rainy season. For example, fogging occurs in summer when the humidity is high such as during the rainy season and it rains, and the outside of the housing (glass) is cooled by the rain. However, the inside of the camera device is in a state where the outside temperature is higher due to heat generation from components, etc., and a temperature difference occurs between the inside and outside. This can cause condensation inside the camera device and cause the heater glass 122 to fog up.

[0048] In order to prevent this fogging, or in other words, to prevent fogging in the summer, one measure is to turn on the heater glass 122 and reduce the difference in temperature between the outside of the camera (the outside of the heater glass) and the inside of the camera (the inside of the heater glass).

[0049] In a conventional system, the temperature of the heater glass 122 is increased by turning on the heater glass 122, but in this embodiment, the heat of the system control board (heat source) 280 is effectively utilized. That is, in this embodiment, the heat (temperature) of the system control board (heat source) 280 effectively acts on the temperature inside the camera device.

[0050] For this reason, it can be said that the hot air blowing onto the heater glass 122 is biased so that the heat radiation temperature of the system control board (heat source) 280 is at a constant level.

[0051] As a result, the temperature of the system control board (heat source) 280 (a temperature that was not utilized in the past) is effectively utilized to realize the anti-fogging effect. This means that it is not necessary to rely entirely on the temperature control of the heater glass 122 alone to prevent fogging.

[0052] 9, the heater glass 122 is controlled to be turned on or off to prevent fogging caused by the external environment (the influence of rain, etc.). In this case, since it is not necessary to entirely depend on the temperature of the heater glass 122 to obtain the heat dissipation temperature for fogging, the timing of turning on the heater glass 122 can be delayed compared to the conventional case.

[0053] In this way, this system achieves the effect of reducing power consumption (low power consumption of the system). Since surveillance cameras are used continuously, not temporarily, the power saving effect is large, and when multiple surveillance cameras are used simultaneously, the effect of contributing to the overall power saving becomes even greater.

[0054] 9, the on / off control of the heater glass 122 is performed when the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the camera is such that defrosting of the heater glass 122 is necessary. In this case as well, the power consumption of the heater glass 122 is reduced compared to the conventional method. The method of driving the heater glass 122 is not limited to simply turning it on and off, but may be a driving method that varies the pulse duty to repeat on and off. <Measures to prevent glass from freezing in early winter> When the outside air temperature drops in early winter or in an environment where the outside air is prone to getting cold, the heater glass 122 will freeze if it remains off. Conventionally, the heater glass 122 was turned on almost all the time when the outside air temperature was below zero degrees Celsius. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the heater glass 122 is always warm because hot air heated by the exhaust heat from the internal heat source is applied to the glass. This has the effect of delaying the turning on of the heater glass 122 itself even when the outside air temperature is below zero degrees Celsius (power saving effect). In addition, by utilizing the internal exhaust heat, it is possible to operate the heater glass 122 by turning the power supply on and off or by reducing the output.

[0055] Furthermore, since the heater 270 is turned on when the temperature drops, the heater glass 122 can be operated intermittently or at low power down to a fairly low temperature (approximately -30°C), thereby reducing power consumption. <Control operation at extremely low temperatures> Furthermore, when the surrounding environment temperature becomes extremely low, below zero degrees, the heater glass 122 is likely to freeze. Therefore, when the temperature becomes below -30 degrees Celsius, the heater 270 is turned on. In this case, too, in this system, the wind in the flow path F is always affected by the temperature of the control board (heat source) 214.

[0056] Therefore, in the regions 8C and 8D in FIG. 9, since the above-mentioned internal exhaust heat is utilized, it is possible to operate the heater glass 122 with the power supply intermittent or with the output reduced.

[0057] However, on the other hand, when air is blown from the fan device 260, cooling tends to be performed in such a way that the effect of increasing the temperature inside the case due to the heater glass 122 and the heater 270 (or the rate of increase) is suppressed.

[0058] Therefore, in this system, the operation of the fan device 260 is controlled to be intermittently turned on and off, or turned off. This control refers to the temperature of a thermometer (particularly a thermometer near the heater glass 122) and sets a threshold value (for example, a threshold value obtained by statistically processing the learning value results) at an arbitrary temperature while measuring the internal temperature of the camera device, and turns the operation of the fan device 260 on or off based on the threshold value. In operation under this environment, the operation of the fan device 260 may be turned on or off depending on whether the temperature is on the rise or fall. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the fan device 260 is switched on and off at the boundary of line L2 (near -29°C).

[0059] As described above, the present system can efficiently perform control to maintain the quality of the camera's imaging function while achieving low power consumption, even when the surrounding temperature changes over a wide range.

[0060] In the above description, an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a surveillance camera device has been described, but the camera device of the present embodiment may of course be mounted on a moving object whose surrounding environment changes, rather than being in a fixed position. For example, the camera device may be mounted on a moving object in the Arctic or Antarctic, or on a flying object that flies from low to high altitudes.

[0061] The characteristic configuration adopted in this system will be further described. <Thermometer installation location> As described above, in a surveillance camera device, it is important to efficiently control the temperature of the wind hitting the heater glass 122 in accordance with the surrounding environment. Therefore, in order to accurately measure the temperature of the heater glass 122 at this time, the installation position of the thermometer can also be an important factor. For this purpose, the thermometer may be directly attached to the surface of the heater glass 122 (at a position that does not interfere with imaging). Alternatively, the thermometer may be attached to the flow path wall (for example, the inner surface of the frame of the heater glass) near the outlet (or near the inlet) of the flow path formed by the heater glass 122 to measure the temperature and predict the temperature of the heater glass 122. This makes it possible to appropriately control the prevention of fogging, freezing, etc. of the heater glass 122. <Countermeasures in the event of an abnormality> The surveillance camera device in the embodiment also takes measures in the case where an abnormality occurs in the control software of the thermometer or the control unit. For example, suppose that an abnormality in the software causes the heater glass 122 to be constantly on even in the area 8B. Even in this case, in this system, the air blown by the fan device 260 hits the heater glass 122, which has a cooling effect and prevents the temperature from rising to a dangerous temperature. This type of control is possible by preparing an abnormality detection program and a temporary processing program in the CPU that is started up when an abnormality is detected. Of course, in this case, a transmitter is provided that transmits a notification signal notifying the abnormality to an external display device or a wireless repeater. <Impact on each component of the control board, and each part and device that composes the camera unit> This device comprehensively prevents overcooling and overheating, reducing the extreme expansion and contraction of each part on the control board and each member and device that makes up the camera device, making it possible to prevent a decrease in lifespan. Furthermore, since the various elements for temperature control within the camera device operate in correlation with each other, it is possible to perform highly efficient control and reduce power consumption. <The air pressure from the blowing side of the fan unit is blown onto the inside of the heater glass> The opening of the flow path F near the air path direction changer 253 is made smaller than the fan opening, thereby increasing the flow rate and allowing the air to hit the entire inner surface of the heater glass more effectively. In other words, the air from the fan 262 passes through the gap between the camera body and the system control board (heat generating unit) 280, rectifying the air wave motion and creating a uniform effect of the heat generating unit inside the housing. In order to effectively blow the air from the fan 262 onto the heater glass 122, the air from the space between the fan and the bottom of the camera is designed to blow through the gap formed by the heater glass 122 and the air path direction changer and become stronger.

[0062] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. Furthermore, even if each component of the claims is expressed by dividing the components, or expressing a plurality of components together, or expressing them in combination, it is within the scope of the present invention. In addition, multiple embodiments may be combined, and examples composed of this combination are also within the scope of the invention.

[0063] The system of this embodiment can be understood as a temperature management system for a camera, in which a camera device 200 is arranged with an imaging lens facing a window 113 inside an outer housing 110 and an inner housing 111, in which a window 113 is opened, a heater glass 122 is arranged on the window 113 at a distance in front of the imaging lens, and a fan device for blowing air. This system has a first gap along the bottom of the camera device, and a second gap between the heater glass and the imaging lens, which is continuous with the first gap. Furthermore, a third gap is continuous with the second gap, from the rear of the camera device to the suction port of the fan device.

[0064] Furthermore, the air circulates through the first gap, the second gap, and the third gap in sequence, and the air from the outlet of the fan device is blown toward a heat source 280 serving as a control component that generates heat within the camera device. The air in the flow path of the second gap is subject to a temperature effect that suppresses the defogging of the heater glass.

[0065] In addition, in order to clarify the description, the drawings may be schematic in terms of the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment. The device of the present invention is also applied when the claims are expressed as control logic, when expressed as a program including instructions for causing a computer to execute the program, and when expressed as a computer-readable recording medium containing the instructions. In addition, the names and terms used are not limited, and other expressions that have substantially the same content and intent are also included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100 surveillance camera device, 110 exterior housing, 111 inner housing, 112 lid, 114 packing, 121 frame, 122 heater glass, 130 wiper drive mechanism, 131 wiper, 135 wiper drive motor, Reference numerals 200 and 211 refer to a camera device, 211 a camera body, 212 an imaging lens, 213 a camera housing, 214 a camera control board, 250 a fan mounting board, 251 a fan mounting hole, 252 a wind path regulating section, 253 a wind path direction changing section, 280 a system control board, and 270 a heater.

Claims

1. The device is disposed inside a housing having a window, a camera device accommodated in the housing with an imaging lens facing the window from inside the housing; a heater glass disposed in the window portion and positioned in front of the imaging lens at a distance; a heat source disposed along a predetermined surface of the camera device and including at least a system control component; a fan device that blows air in a direction toward the heat source of the camera device; an airflow direction changing unit that guides the airflow blown from the fan device and influenced by the system control component to a space between the heater glass and the imaging lens; a heater disposed along a flow path of air from an outlet to an inlet of the fan device; A camera temperature control device comprising:

2. 2. The camera temperature management device according to claim 1, wherein the system control component is mounted on a system control board, the system control board forming a gap with the predetermined surface of the camera device, and the gap rectifies the airflow from the fan device.

3. 2. The camera temperature management device according to claim 1, wherein the system control component receives temperature data measured by thermometers arranged at multiple locations in the air flow path from the fan device, and controls the on / off of at least one of the heater glass, the heater, and the fan device.

4. 2. The camera temperature management device according to claim 1, wherein said system control component turns off said fan unit when the temperature outside said housing reaches a predetermined temperature below zero degrees.

5. 2. The temperature control device for a camera according to claim 1, wherein the heater glass is intermittently controlled to be turned on and off.

6. Inside the housing where the window is opened, A temperature management system for a camera, comprising: a camera device having an imaging lens facing the window; a heater glass is disposed on the window at a distance in front of the imaging lens; and a fan device for blowing air inside the housing, a first gap formed along a side surface and a bottom surface of the camera device; a second gap formed between the heater glass and the imaging lens, the second gap being continuous with the first gap; a third gap formed continuous with the second gap from a rear portion of the camera device to an intake port of the fan device; A camera temperature management system configured so that the air flow circulates through the first gap, the second gap, and the third gap in sequence, and the air flow from the outlet of the fan device is blown toward a heat source, which is a system control component that generates heat within the camera device.

7. A temperature control method for a camera for controlling temperature inside a housing having a window, comprising the steps of: A heater glass is disposed on the outside of the window portion, and a camera device with an imaging lens facing the inside of the window portion is disposed, blowing air from a fan device toward a heat source, which is a control component that generates heat inside the camera device; The wind influenced by the heat source is passed between the heater glass and the imaging lens, The wind that has passed between the heater glass and the imaging lens is guided to the intake side of the fan device, temperature information is acquired from thermometers at a plurality of locations in the airflow path, and an operation control of the heater glass and an operation control of the fan device are performed by a controller included in the control component; How to manage the temperature of your camera.

8. 8. The temperature management method for a camera according to claim 7, further comprising the step of controlling a heater disposed in any one of the airflow paths of the fan device by the controller.

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