Electronic apparatus and movable body

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus that can prevent deviation of a focal position due to the influence of sunlight or the like.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus such as an on-vehicle camera has: a lens barrel that holds an optical system therein and has a body part extending in an optical axis direction of the optical system; and a rotating body that rotates about a rotation axis. The electronic apparatus allows air exhausted from the rotating body to be blown to the body part to prevent an increase in the temperature of the lens barrel, thereby preventing deviation of a focal position due to the influence of sunlight.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices and mobile objects. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in-vehicle cameras have become common for the purpose of autonomous driving and monitoring the surroundings of the vehicle. In particular, forward monitoring cameras mounted on the inside of the windshield are used to recognize people or vehicles that may be at risk of a frontal collision.

[0003] Such forward recognition cameras are also used for collision prevention functions that instruct the vehicle to automatically brake, and lane keeping functions that recognize white lines on the left and right and instruct the driver to steer the vehicle so that it stays in the center of the lane.

[0004] However, because such forward recognition cameras are attached to the windshield, they are easily affected by sunlight. Particularly in the summer, strong sunlight passes through the windshield and hits the camera's lens unit, heating it up, causing the lens unit to expand thermally and change in its optical properties, resulting in a shift in the focus position. This can cause object recognition to be disrupted, leading to malfunctions in vehicle operation.

[0005] Patent document 1 describes a technology that estimates the lens temperature based on the measurement value of a temperature sensor installed in the image processing unit of the camera and an index indicating the solar radiation conditions around the vehicle, and controls the lens unit temperature by controlling the power supply to prevent shifts in the focus position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6877604 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the above Patent Document 1, the lens temperature is controlled by power supply control, so in a state where processing requiring a large amount of power consumption is required, sufficient power cannot be supplied to lower the lens unit temperature, and the camera performance may deteriorate, so there is room for improvement in the method of reducing the focus position shift.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of suppressing deviation of the focus position due to the influence of sunlight or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a lens barrel having a main body portion that holds an optical system therein and extends in an optical axis direction of the optical system; a rotor that rotates around a rotation axis, The air discharged by the rotating body is blown onto the main body. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of suppressing deviation of the focus position due to the influence of sunlight or the like. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of mounting positions of an imaging device in a vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing a detailed example of a method for mounting the imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment on the vehicle 100. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the optical axis of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining focus position calibration performed when assembling the imaging device, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the optical axis of the imaging device when mounted on a vehicle. [Diagram 5]5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the optical axis of an imaging device mounted on a vehicle in a second embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a projection view of the imaging device viewed from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example in which a duct 114 is disposed between a fan 111 and a lens unit 104 in the third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 7A is a diagram for explaining a configuration in which a slit is provided in a housing 108 of an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a projection diagram of the imaging device according to the fourth embodiment as viewed from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] 10A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image sensor cover 115a that covers the housing 108 and is located in the -Z direction of the image sensor in embodiment 5, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the image sensor in embodiment 5 in the ZX plane that includes the optical axis of the lens unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram of focus position calibration to prevent excessive cooling of the lens unit in embodiment 6, and FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram of the configuration when mounted on a vehicle to prevent excessive cooling of the lens unit in embodiment 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration example according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lens unit temperature that occurs after the power supply of the imaging device is turned on and the measurement value of the temperature sensor 120 installed near the camera control board in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a change in lens unit temperature 124 in response to a change in solar radiation amount 126. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of power supply control for a fan in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the number of rotations of a fan relative to the temperature of a lens unit in the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In each drawing, the same members or elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of mounting positions of an imaging device in a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0014] 1(A), an imaging device 1 as an electronic device is mounted near the upper part of the windshield on the inside of a vehicle 100 as a moving body, and monitors the front while the vehicle 100 is traveling. Note that, although an example in which the imaging device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 100 as a moving body, which is an automobile, is described, the moving body is not limited to an automobile and may be anything that is capable of moving.

[0015] The imaging device 1 can be mounted in various locations on the vehicle 100. In Fig. 1(B), an imaging device 1b is mounted on the top of the dashboard and monitors the front while the vehicle 100 is traveling.

[0016] In Fig. 1(C), the imaging device 1c is mounted inside the rear window of the vehicle 100 and monitors the rear of the vehicle 100. Note that the installation position of the vehicle-mounted camera is not limited to these examples, and it can be mounted in various positions on the vehicle, such as on the side of the vehicle. The imaging device 1 may also be a distance measuring camera that detects the distance to a subject. In this way, the imaging device of the first embodiment is mounted inside the vehicle cabin and can capture images of the surroundings of the vehicle.

[0017] The imaging direction of the imaging device 1 in this embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 1(A). The imaging direction of the imaging device 1 in the traveling direction of the vehicle 100 is the +Z direction, the top surface side of the vehicle 100 in the imaging device 1 is the +Y direction, and the front side of the paper in Fig. 1(A) is the +X direction.

[0018] 2 is a diagram showing a detailed example of a method for mounting the imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment on a vehicle 100. The first embodiment includes a bracket 102 that is adhesively fixed to the inside of a windshield 101, and the imaging device 1 that is attached to the bracket 102 and holds a lens unit and the like, which will be described later.

[0019] That is, in embodiment 1, a bracket that can be attached to the windshield of the vehicle is further provided, and the optical system is configured to form an optical image of the area in front of the vehicle on the light receiving surface of the imaging device 1 via the windshield, and the imaging device 1 captures the optical image.

[0020] Although the method of mounting the imaging device 1 to the bracket 102 is not shown, the imaging device 1 may be fastened with a screw or held by press fitting.

[0021] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the optical axis of the imaging device according to embodiment 1. The imaging device 1 of this embodiment is mainly composed of a lens unit 104, an imaging element board 105, a camera control board 106, wiring 107 that electrically connects the imaging element board 105 and the camera control board 106, and an upper housing 108a and a lower housing 108b that house these components. The upper housing 108a and the lower housing 108b form a housing 108.

[0022] Lens unit 104 has at least one optical system (lens, etc.), and forms an optical image by making light from a target to be photographed in front of vehicle 100 enter a light receiving surface of an imaging element described later. That is, lens unit 104 holds the optical system therein and functions as a lens barrel having a main body portion extending in the optical axis direction of the optical system.

[0023] The imaging element substrate 105 is provided with a signal output circuit and includes an imaging element 105a that outputs a signal corresponding to an optical image formed by the lens unit 104. The imaging element 105a functions as a sensor unit that receives light from a subject via an optical system.

[0024] The imaging element 105a is a semiconductor image sensor element such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and is also one of the main heat sources.

[0025] The image sensor 105a may be a dual pixel CMOS AF image sensor. That is, the sensor unit may have a dual pixel CMOS AF image sensor. Note that a dual pixel CMOS AF image sensor is a CMOS image sensor in which all effective pixels have both an imaging function and a phase difference AF (Auto Focus) function.

[0026] More specifically, for example, it is a CMOS image sensor in which each pixel has two photoelectric conversion units that receive light through one microlens, and each photoelectric conversion unit is configured to receive light through different exit pupils of the optical system.

[0027] Although the method of mounting the imaging element board 105 is not shown, the imaging element board 105 is fastened to the lens unit 104, the upper housing 108a, and the lower housing 108b with screws or the like or attached with an adhesive.

[0028] The camera control board 106 includes a camera control IC 106b. The camera control IC 106b is an image processing microcomputer that performs object recognition processing and the like based on image data captured by the imaging element 105a, and outputs an image signal.

[0029] The image signal output from the camera control board 106 is output to an information processing device (not shown) in the vehicle 100. The information processing device has a driving support device that recognizes the distance to an object and supports driving. Examples of the driving support device include, but are not limited to, a collision prevention device, a lane keeping device, a vehicle distance control device, and an automatic driving device. Here, the information processing device functions as a calculation unit that calculates the distance to the subject based on a signal from a sensor unit.

[0030] The camera control board 106 is attached to the upper housing 108a and the lower housing 108b by screw fastening or adhesive. Fig. 3 shows an example in which the camera control board 106 is fastened to the upper housing 108a by screws.

[0031] The upper housing 108a and the lower housing 108b form the outer shell of the imaging device 1. Although there are no particular limitations on the material, a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal or highly thermally conductive resin, is preferable. The upper housing 108a is provided with a hole into which the lens unit 104 is inserted.

[0032] Next, problems that arise when mounting the imaging device 1 on the vehicle 100 will be described. Fig. 4(A) is a diagram for explaining the focus position calibration performed when the imaging device is assembled, and Fig. 4(B) is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis of the imaging device when mounted on the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 4(A), the focus position calibration performed when the imaging device 1 is assembled is generally performed indoors, and the focus is adjusted to a target position while photographing a chart 109 with the imaging device 1.

[0033] At this time, the temperature gradient of the lens unit 104 is affected by heat generated by the image pickup element 105a itself, and the lens unit base portion 104b becomes higher than the lens unit tip portion 104a.

[0034] 4(B), when the imaging device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 100, sunlight 110 may pass through the windshield 101 and impinge on the lens unit tip portion 104a, causing it to heat up. At this time, the temperature gradient of the lens unit 104 is higher at the lens unit tip portion 104a than at the lens unit base portion 104b.

[0035] In this way, the temperature gradient of the lens unit 104 when mounted on the vehicle is different from that at the time of focus position calibration, which causes the focus position to shift from that at the time of focus position calibration due to thermal expansion and changes in the optical characteristics of the lens unit 104.

[0036] In a distance measuring camera that detects the distance to a subject, it is extremely important to suppress deviation of the focus position in order to accurately detect the distance to the subject. Therefore, the invention described in this embodiment is particularly effective in distance measuring cameras.

[0037] <Embodiment 2> Fig. 5(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the optical axis of an imaging device in a state where the imaging device is mounted on a vehicle in embodiment 2, and Fig. 5(B) is a projection view of the imaging device as viewed from the direction of the arrow in Fig. 5(A). As in example 1, the imaging device 1 of embodiment 2 is attached to the vehicle inner side of a windshield 101 via a bracket 102, and is covered by an imaging device cover 103.

[0038] In the second embodiment, a cooling fan 111 is provided inside the imaging device cover 103, and a cover slit 103s is provided to allow ventilation between the inside and outside of the imaging device cover 103. Here, the fan 111 functions as a rotating body that rotates around a rotation axis.

[0039] In the second embodiment, the fan 111 is attached to the bracket 102 so that the rotation axis 113 intersects with the optical axis 112 of the lens unit 104 and faces the lens unit 104 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0040] That is, fan 111 as a rotating body is disposed so as to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction of the optical system, and faces lens unit 104 as a lens barrel in the direction of the rotation axis. Fan 111 is attached to bracket 102 by fastening with screws, for example.

[0041] Fig. 5(B) is a projection view of Fig. 5(A) seen from the direction of the arrow, and shows the flow path of air exhausted from fan 111. Note that the front glass 101 is not shown in Fig. 5(B). The air exhausted from fan 111 is blown from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of lens unit 104, and flows in the -Y direction along the inner wall of imaging device cover 103.

[0042] Then, the air is discharged from cover slit 103s into the vehicle interior (not shown). In this manner, in this embodiment, the air discharged by fan 111 as a rotating body is blown onto the main body of lens unit 104 as a lens barrel.

[0043] It is preferable that the air discharged by the fan 111 be blown near the center or near the tip of the main body of the lens unit 104. This is because the temperature of the tip of the lens unit 104 is likely to increase due to solar radiation.

[0044] In this manner, in this embodiment, by blowing the air exhausted by fan 111 near the center or near the tip of the main body of lens unit 104, it is possible to effectively suppress shifts in the focus position due to thermal expansion or changes in the optical characteristics of lens unit 104.

[0045] <Embodiment 3> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example in which a duct 114 is disposed between a fan 111 and a lens unit 104 in the third embodiment.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, in the third embodiment, a guide section, for example a duct 114, is disposed between the lens unit 104 and the fan 111 to guide the air exhausted from the fan 111 so that it is blown toward the tip 104a of the lens unit.

[0047] That is, in the third embodiment, a duct is provided as a structure disposed between fan 111 as a rotating body and lens unit 104 as a lens barrel, and guides the fluid sent from the rotating body so that it is sprayed around the tip of the lens barrel.

[0048] In the third embodiment, the provision of the duct 114 increases the flow rate of air blown onto the lens unit tip 104a heated by sunlight, enabling efficient air cooling.

[0049] <Embodiment 4> FIG. 7(A) is a diagram explaining a configuration in which a slit is provided in the housing 108 of an imaging device according to embodiment 4, and FIG. 7(B) is a projection diagram of the imaging device according to embodiment 4 as viewed from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7(A).

[0050] 7(A), in the fourth embodiment, air blown onto the lens unit 104 flows into the housing 108 through the slits 108as in the upper housing. The air that has flowed in passes near the camera control IC 106b and flows out of the housing 108 through the slits 108bs in the lower housing.

[0051] That is, in embodiment 4, there is a housing 108 that houses a part of the lens unit 104 as a lens barrel, and the housing 108 has a slit that allows air blown onto the lens barrel to flow in and exhausts the flowed-in air to the outside of the housing.

[0052] As described above, Fig. 7(B) is a projection view of the imaging device as seen from the direction of the arrow in Fig. 7(A), and is a cross-sectional view showing the upper housing 108a, the lower housing 108b, the camera control board 106, the camera control IC 106b, etc., which are located on the -Y direction side of the lens barrel. Note that the front glass is not shown.

[0053] 7B, the air blown from fan 111 to lens unit 104 flows into housing 108 through slits 108as in the upper housing. Then, it passes near camera control IC 106b that generates heat, and is exhausted to the outside of housing 108 through slits 108bs in the lower housing. Then, it is exhausted from cover slits 103s into the vehicle interior (not shown).

[0054] This not only cools the lens unit 104, but also allows the camera control IC 106b to be air-cooled, making it possible to prevent performance degradation and failures due to temperature rise in the camera control IC 106b.

[0055] <Embodiment 5> Figure 8(A) is a diagram showing an example configuration of an image sensor cover 115a that covers the housing 108 and is located in the -Z direction of the image sensor in embodiment 5, and Figure 8(B) is a cross-sectional view of the image sensor in embodiment 5 in the ZX plane including the optical axis of the lens unit.

[0056] 8(A), in the imaging device 1 according to the fifth embodiment, an imaging element cover 115a is attached so as to cover and conceal a part of the upper housing 108a and the lower housing 108b from the −Z direction side of the imaging element 105a. The imaging element cover 115a is fastened to the upper housing 108a with a screw 116.

[0057] Imaging element cover 115a covers parts of upper housing 108a and lower housing 108b, which are heat dissipation destinations for imaging element 105a, which is a heat source. This makes it possible to prevent hot air around parts of upper housing 108a and lower housing 108b from coming into contact with lens unit 104 and heating lens unit 104.

[0058] That is, in the fifth embodiment, imaging element cover 115a is provided as a structure that prevents air near the heat source from being blown by fan 111, which serves as a rotating body, onto lens unit 104, which serves as a lens barrel.

[0059] 8B, heat generated from the imaging element 105a is transferred to the upper housing 108a via the imaging element substrate 105 (heat transfer path 117a). Heat generated from the imaging element 105a is transferred to the lower housing 108b via the imaging element substrate 105 and the heat dissipation member 118 (heat transfer path 117b).

[0060] The heat dissipation member 118 is made of a rubber-like material such as silicone, and has a thin film shape. The heat generated by the image sensor 105a is transferred to the upper housing 108a and the lower housing 108b, and the air around the upper housing 108a and the lower housing 108b is also heated, generating hot air. If this hot air comes into contact with the lens unit 104, the lens unit 104 will be heated.

[0061] In particular, if hot air around upper housing 108a and lower housing 108b is blown onto lens unit 104 by fan 111, there is a risk that lens unit 104 will end up being heated. Therefore, by covering heated upper housing 108a and lower housing 108b with imaging element cover 115a, it becomes difficult for hot air around upper housing 108a and lower housing 108b to hit lens unit 104, and lens unit 104 can be cooled efficiently.

[0062] <Embodiment 6> In the sixth embodiment, the lens unit 104 is prevented from being excessively cooled by the air cooling of the fan 111, which would result in the focus position being shifted.

[0063] FIG. 9(A) is a diagram explaining focus position calibration for preventing excessive cooling of the lens unit in embodiment 6, and (B) is a schematic configuration diagram for preventing excessive cooling of the lens unit when mounted on a vehicle in embodiment 2.

[0064] As described above, the focus position calibration is performed by adjusting the focus to a target position while photographing the chart 109 with the imaging device 1.

[0065] At this time, as shown in Fig. 9(A), the rotation speed N of fan 111 is kept constant and a specified amount of air is blown onto lens unit 104 to cool lens unit 104. That is, when calibrating the focus position of the optical system, fluid is sent to lens unit 104 (a lens barrel) using fan 111 as a rotating body. Note that the fan is preferably positioned so that air can be blown onto lens unit 104 from the +Y direction of lens unit 104 as shown in Fig. 9(A).

[0066] Although the installation method is not shown, the lens unit 104 is attached to a jig or tool located in the +Y direction of the lens unit 104 by fastening screws or the like. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 9(B) , when the lens unit 104 is mounted on a vehicle, the lens unit 104 is cooled by blowing air onto the lens unit 104 heated by sunlight 110 using a fan 111.

[0067] At this time, the rotation speed and arrangement of the fan 111 are the same as those during focus position calibration. When the imaging device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, sunlight 110 strikes the lens unit 104 and heats the lens unit 104, so that the temperature of the lens unit 104 becomes higher than that during focus position calibration, as shown in FIG.

[0068] In this way, by air-cooling lens unit 104 with fan 111 having the same rotation speed and arrangement both during focus position calibration and when mounted on a vehicle, the temperature of lens unit 104 when mounted on a vehicle is prevented from falling below the temperature of lens unit 104 during focus position calibration. Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the lens unit 104 from being excessively cooled by the air-cooling of fan 111, which may result in the focus position being shifted.

[0069] <Embodiment 7> In the seventh embodiment, the temperature of the lens unit 104 is estimated based on information from various sensors mounted on the imaging device 1 or the vehicle 100, and the rotation speed of the fan 111 is controlled according to the estimated temperature of the lens unit 104.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration example in embodiment 7. Some of the functional blocks shown in Fig. 10 are realized by causing a CPU or the like serving as a computer (not shown) included in the imaging device or the vehicle to execute a computer program stored in a memory serving as a storage medium (not shown).

[0071] However, some or all of these may be realized by hardware. For the hardware, a dedicated circuit (ASIC) or a processor (reconfigurable processor, DSP) may be used. Furthermore, each functional block shown in Fig. 10 does not have to be built in the same housing, and may be configured by separate devices connected to each other via signal paths.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 10, in the seventh embodiment, the imaging device 1 includes a lens unit temperature estimator 119 and a temperature sensor 120 in addition to the lens unit 104, the imaging element board 105, the camera control board 106, and the fan 111 described above.

[0073] The lens unit temperature estimation unit 119 estimates the temperature of the lens unit 104 based on various sensor information described later, and outputs the temperature information to the camera control board 106. The camera control board 106 controls the number of rotations N of the fan 111 according to the input temperature of the lens unit 104.

[0074] In the seventh embodiment, the vehicle 100 is equipped with an interior / exterior temperature sensor 121, a solar radiation sensor 122, and a weather information receiver 123. The lens unit temperature estimation unit 119 uses the outputs of not only the temperature sensor 120 but also the interior / exterior temperature sensor 121, the solar radiation sensor 122, and the weather information receiver 123 to estimate the temperature of the lens unit 104.

[0075] That is, in the seventh embodiment, the rotation speed of the fan 111 as a rotating body is controlled based on information obtained from at least one of the temperature sensor 120 arranged in the imaging device, the interior and exterior temperature sensor 121, the solar radiation sensor 122 arranged in the vehicle, and the weather information receiver 123.

[0076] Incidentally, the temperature sensor 120 in the seventh embodiment is installed near the imaging element board 105 and the camera control board 106. This is because the camera control board 106 is closer to the lens unit 104 than the imaging element board 105, and has a high correlation with the temperature of the lens unit 104.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lens unit temperature generated after the image pickup apparatus is powered on and the measurement value of the temperature sensor 120 installed near the camera control board in the seventh embodiment.

[0078] 11 shows the temperature change in a state where the engine is started, the power supply of the imaging device 1 is turned on, and the vehicle is operated continuously for a long time after being parked in sunlight for a long time. When the vehicle is parked for a long time under the environmental temperature Ta, the lens unit 104 and the temperature sensor 120 are heated by the influence of the sunlight 110.

[0079] 4B, the lens unit 104 is generally disposed near the windshield relative to the camera control board 106, and is therefore susceptible to being affected by sunlight 110 and being heated. Therefore, the lens unit temperature 124 is higher than the measurement value 125 of the temperature sensor 120.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 11, when the imaging device 1 is turned on, the amount of temperature rise varies depending on the heat transfer characteristics from heat generating components such as the imaging element and the camera control IC 106b to the lens unit 104 and the temperature sensor 120.

[0081] In particular, since the temperature sensor 120 is disposed near the camera control board 106 on which many heat-generating components are mounted, the time from power-on until the temperature sensor measurement value 125 converges is short. On the other hand, since the lens unit 104 is located farther away from the heat-generating components than the temperature sensor 120, the time until the lens unit temperature 124 converges is longer than the temperature sensor measurement value 125.

[0082] Meanwhile, the vehicle interior / exterior temperature sensor 121 is mounted on the vehicle and measures the temperatures inside and outside the vehicle. The solar radiation sensor 122 is mounted on the vehicle and measures the amount of solar radiation 126. The vehicle interior / exterior temperature sensor 121 and the solar radiation sensor 122 may also serve as a temperature sensor for the air conditioner in the vehicle.

[0083] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the lens unit temperature 124 in response to a change in the amount of solar radiation 126. As shown in FIG. 12, the lens unit temperature 124 also constantly changes in response to a change in the amount of solar radiation 126.

[0084] For this reason, it is desirable to constantly estimate the amount of solar radiation 126. Generally, the lens unit temperature 124 changes with a delay relative to a change in the amount of solar radiation 126, so in this embodiment, the amount of solar radiation 126 is estimated taking this delay into consideration.

[0085] The weather information receiver 123 receives weather information from an external source, for example, using a device capable of receiving a road traffic information communication system VICS (registered trademark: Vehicle Information Communication and System).

[0086] In the seventh embodiment, the amount of solar radiation 126 is estimated using solar radiation amount information acquired by the vehicle interior / exterior temperature sensor 121, the solar radiation sensor 122, and the weather information receiver 123.

[0087] If there is a difference between the measured values ​​of the interior / exterior temperature sensor 121 and the solar radiation sensor 122 and the solar radiation information acquired by the weather information receiver 123, there is a high possibility that the vehicle is parked in the shade or the like where it is not exposed to sunlight 110. Therefore, it is preferable to use the measured values ​​of the interior / exterior temperature sensor 121 or the solar radiation sensor 122 as the solar radiation information.

[0088] Thus, in the seventh embodiment, the lens unit temperature 124 is estimated based on at least one of the pieces of information obtained from these multiple sensors.

[0089] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of power supply control for a fan in embodiment 7. Note that the operation of each step in the flowchart in Fig. 13 is performed in sequence by a CPU serving as a computer in the imaging device executing a computer program stored in a memory.

[0090] First, in step S1, when the vehicle engine starts, power is supplied to and starts up the imaging device 1. Next, in step S2, the lens unit temperature estimation unit 119 acquires information from each of the sensors, namely, the temperature sensor 120, the interior and exterior temperature sensor 121, the solar radiation sensor 122, and the weather information receiver 123.

[0091] Next, in step S3, the lens unit temperature estimation unit 119 estimates the lens unit temperature 124 based on the information acquired from each sensor. Then, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the estimated lens unit temperature 124 exceeds a threshold value 127 that is set in advance based on the design specifications of the lens unit temperature 124.

[0092] If it is determined that the limit has been exceeded, the CPU in the camera control board 106 instructs the fan 111 to start up in step S5.

[0093] 14 is a diagram showing the rotation speed of the fan versus the lens unit temperature in embodiment 7. The rotation speed N of the fan 111 when the fan is started in step S5 is set to a rotation speed N1 that is determined based on actual measurement data and allows sufficient air cooling so that the lens unit temperature 124 falls below the threshold value 127, as shown in FIG.

[0094] If it is determined in step S4 that the difference is equal to or less than the threshold value 127, the process returns to step S2, and steps S2 to S4 are repeated until it is determined in step S4 that the difference is greater than the threshold value 127.

[0095] Next, in step S6, the lens unit temperature 124 is estimated based on information from each sensor. Then, in step S7, it is determined whether the estimated lens unit temperature 124 is equal to or lower than a threshold value 127 that is preset based on the design specifications of the lens unit temperature 124.

[0096] If it is determined that the temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value 127, then in step S8, the CPU of the camera control board 106 instructs the fan 111 to stop, as shown in FIG.

[0097] If it is determined in step S7 that the threshold value 127 is exceeded, the process returns to step S6, and steps S6 and S7 are repeated until it is determined in step S7 that the threshold value 127 is not exceeded.

[0098] In the above embodiment, a vehicle such as an automobile is used as an example of a moving body, but the moving body may be any moving device that moves, such as a train, a ship, an airplane, a robot, a drone, etc. The present invention can also be applied to a case where a moving body is remotely controlled.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications and combinations of the above-mentioned embodiments are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. The above-mentioned embodiments include the following combinations.

[0100] (Configuration 1) An electronic device comprising: a lens barrel having an optical system therein and a main body extending in the optical axis direction of the optical system; and a rotor that rotates around a rotation axis, wherein air discharged by the rotor is blown toward the main body.

[0101] (Configuration 2) The electronic device described in configuration 1, characterized in that the rotating body is arranged to rotate around the rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction of the optical system, and faces the lens barrel in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0102] (Configuration 3) An electronic device as described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in having a structure disposed between the rotating body and the lens barrel, which guides the fluid sent from the rotating body so that it is sprayed around the tip of the lens barrel.

[0103] (Configuration 4) An electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a housing that houses a portion of the lens barrel, the housing having a slit that allows air blown onto the lens barrel to flow in and exhausts the air to the outside of the housing.

[0104] (Configuration 5) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a structure for preventing air near a heat source from being blown against the lens barrel by the rotor.

[0105] (Configuration 6) The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising an imaging device that captures an optical image formed via the optical system, the imaging device being mounted in a vehicle cabin and capturing an image of the periphery of the vehicle.

[0106] (Configuration 7) The electronic device according to configuration 6, further comprising a bracket that can be attached to a windshield of the vehicle, and the optical system captures an image of the area ahead of the vehicle through the windshield.

[0107] (Configuration 8) The electronic device described in configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that the rotation speed of the rotating body is controlled based on information obtained from at least one of a temperature sensor arranged in the imaging device, an interior and exterior temperature sensor, a solar radiation sensor arranged in the vehicle, and a weather information receiver.

[0108] (Configuration 9) The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, further comprising a sensor unit that receives light from a subject through the optical system, and a calculation unit that calculates a distance to the subject based on a signal from the sensor unit.

[0109] (Configuration 10) The electronic device according to configuration 9, wherein the sensor unit has a dual pixel CMOS AF image sensor.

[0110] (Configuration 11) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the rotating body is used to send fluid to the lens barrel when calibrating the focus position of the optical system.

[0111] (Configuration 12) A mobile object, comprising the electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11 and capable of moving.

[0112] In order to realize a part or all of the control in the above-mentioned embodiment, a computer program that realizes the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment may be supplied to an electronic device or the like via a network or various storage media. Then, a computer (or a CPU, MPU, or the like) in the electronic device or the like may read and execute the program. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1: Imaging device 2: Imaging device b 100:Vehicle 101: Windshield 102: Bracket 103: Imaging device cover 104: Lens unit 104a: Lens unit tip 104b: Lens unit base 105: Image sensor board 106: Image sensor 107: Wiring 108a: Upper housing 108b: Lower case 108as: Slit in the upper housing 108bs: Slit in the lower housing 109: Chart 110: Sunlight 111: Fan 112: Optical axis 113: Rotation axis 114: Duct 115a: Image sensor cover 115b: Image sensor cover 116: Bis 117a: Heat transfer path 117b: Heat transfer path 118: Heat dissipation material 119: Lens unit temperature estimation unit 120: Temperature sensor 121: Vehicle interior and exterior temperature sensor 123: Weather information receiver 124: Lens unit temperature 125: Temperature sensor value 126: Solar radiation 127: Threshold

Claims

1. a lens barrel having a main body portion that holds an optical system therein and extends in an optical axis direction of the optical system; a rotor that rotates around a rotation axis, The air discharged by the rotating body is blown onto the main body.

1. An electronic device comprising:

2. the rotating body is arranged to rotate about the rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction of the optical system, Facing the lens barrel in the direction of the rotation axis 2. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. A structure is disposed between the rotor and the lens barrel, and guides the fluid sent from the rotor so that the fluid is sprayed around the tip of the lens barrel.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

4. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing that houses a portion of the lens barrel, the housing having a slit through which air blown onto the lens barrel flows in and through which the air is exhausted to the outside of the housing.

5. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a structure for preventing air in the vicinity of a heat source from being blown against said lens barrel by said rotor.

6. an imaging device that captures an optical image formed via the optical system; 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is mounted in a vehicle interior and captures an image of the surroundings of the vehicle.

7. A bracket capable of being attached to a windshield of the vehicle is further provided, The optical system captures an image of a front area of ​​the vehicle through the windshield.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6.

8. The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that the number of rotations of the rotating body is controlled based on information obtained from at least one of a temperature sensor arranged in the imaging device, an interior / exterior temperature sensor, a solar radiation sensor arranged in the vehicle, and a weather information receiver.

9. a sensor unit that receives light from a subject via the optical system; a calculation unit that calculates a distance to the subject based on a signal from the sensor unit; The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

10. The electronic device according to claim 9 , wherein the sensor unit includes a dual pixel CMOS AF image sensor.

11. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body is used to send a fluid to the lens barrel when calibrating a focus position of the optical system.

12. A mobile object, comprising the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and capable of moving.

Images