Camera device and method for controlling heating of camera device

Abstract

To provide a camera device and a method for controlling the heating of the camera device, which can suppress the adhesion of water droplets to a lens exposed to the outside air.SOLUTION: A camera device comprises a lens 3 exposed to the outside air, a lens barrel 2, a first heater 41, a second heater 42, and a controller. The lens barrel 2 has a flange 21 which covers the outer edge of the lens 3 and in which water repellent treatment is applied to the outer surface of the inner edge continuous to the lens 3. The first heater 41 heats the lens 3. The second heater 42 heats the outer surface of the flange 21. The controller switches, on the basis of a state of the outside air and traveling speed of a vehicle, between a first electrical continuity state in which electricity is conducted to the first heater 41 and a second electrical continuity state in which electricity is conducted to the second heater 42 in addition to the first heater 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera device mounted on, for example, a vehicle, and a heating control method for the camera device. do. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a camera device mounted on a vehicle captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle, such as the front and rear of the vehicle, in a time-series manner. The camera device is mounted on the inside or outside of the vehicle, but it is not mounted on the outside of the vehicle. Camera equipment installed outside the vehicle, such as cameras that capture infrared wavelengths, is exposed to the external environment, such as wind and rain. do.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a tapered inclined portion is provided on the outer edge of the lens exposed to the outside air. A camera device is disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-086123 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the camera device described in Patent Document 1, when water droplets adhere to the lens exposed to the outside air, Flow vectors are generated by the movement of the vehicle, and water droplets are swept to the outside of the lens. When snow or rain drops become cold, their viscosity increases and they become difficult to flow off the lens. In addition, water that has flowed from the lens may accumulate in the flange and freeze.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to A camera device capable of suppressing adhesion of water droplets to an exposed lens, and a heating control method for the camera device are provided.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] A camera device according to an aspect of the present invention is a camera device used in a vehicle, and includes an outer air exposed lens, a lens barrel having a flange that covers an outer edge portion of the lens and has a water-repellent treatment applied to an outer surface of an inner edge portion continuous with the lens, a first heater that heats the lens, a second heater that heats the outer surface of the flange, and a control unit that switches to a first energization state in which the first heater is energized when water droplets adhere to the lens based on the weather, and a second energization state in which the second heater is energized in addition to the first heater when water droplets on the outer surface of the flange are in a frozen state. The control unit is provided. The control unit is provided. The control unit is provided. The control unit is provided.

[0008] A heating control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a heating control method for a vehicle camera device in which a flange having a water-repellent treatment applied to an outer surface of an inner edge portion continuous with a lens that covers an outer edge portion of the lens exposed to the outside air is provided on a lens barrel, and includes an information acquisition step of acquiring weather, and a first energization state in which a first heater that heats the lens is energized when water droplets adhere to the lens based on the weather acquired in the information acquisition step, and a second energization state in which a second heater that heats the outer surface of the flange is energized in addition to the first heater when water droplets on the outer surface of the flange are in a frozen state. The heating control method includes a switching step of switching to the second energization state. The heating control method includes a switching step of switching to the second energization state. The heating control method includes a switching step of switching to the second energization state. The heating control method includes a switching step of switching to the second energization state. The heating control method includes a switching step of switching to the second energization state. The heating control method includes a switching step of switching to the second energization state. The heating control method includes a switching step of switching to the second energization state.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of water droplets to a lens exposed to the outside air.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 based on preferred embodiments. In each figure The same or equivalent components and members shown on the surface are given the same reference numerals, and appropriately duplicate descriptions will be omitted. Also, the dimensions of the members in each drawing are appropriately enlarged or reduced for easy understanding. Also, in each drawing, a part of the members that is not important in explaining the embodiment is omitted from the display.

[0012] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera device 100 according to an embodiment. The camera device 10 0 includes a camera body 1, a lens barrel 2, a lens 3, and the like. The camera body 1 is box-shaped with a hole through which it communicates with the inside of the lens barrel 2, and houses an imaging element, a filter, etc. (not shown) inside. The lens barrel 2 is cylindrical and supports an optical system disposed inside. A lens 3 is fitted into the opening 2a on the front surface. The lens barrel 2 has a frame portion 20 for holding the lens 3. The lens 3 For example, it may be an aspherical lens, but it is not limited thereto and may be a spherical lens or the like. Also, The camera device 100 is, for example, an infrared camera, but it is not limited thereto and may be a visible light imaging camera or the like. Note that the camera body 1 itself may also be considered as part of the lens barrel 2. Yes.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the camera device 100. The camera device 100 is attached to a vehicle in a state where the surface side of the lens 3 is exposed to the outside air and is exposed to an external environment such as wind and rain. The outer edge portion on the surface side of the lens 3 exposed to the outside air is covered by the flange 21 of the frame portion 20 of the lens barrel 2. The lens barrel 2 is provided with a frame portion 20 that fits inside the opening hole on the front end side to hold the lens 3, but the frame portion 20 and the lens barrel 2 may be integrally formed. Yes. Yes.

[0014] The frame portion 20 in the lens barrel 2 has a flange 21 that covers the outer edge portion on the surface side of the lens 3, and a light-shielding portion 23 is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the inner edge portion 22. The light-shielding portion 23 is tapered and inclined with respect to the optical axis direction, and has a larger diameter toward the front end. The light-shielding portion 23 functions to block infrared rays or light rays from an angle larger than the taper angle. On the inner edge portion 22 of the flange 21, an inclined portion 24 is formed continuously with the outer peripheral portion of the light-shielding portion 23. The inclined portion 24 is tapered and has a larger diameter toward the front end. As shown in FIG. 2, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is larger than the taper angle of the light-shielding portion 23, and more specifically, it is set to 120 degrees or more. Also, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is preferably set to 160 degrees or less. On the inner edge portion 22 of the flange 21, an inclined portion 24 is formed continuously with the outer peripheral portion of the light-shielding portion 23. The inclined portion 24 is tapered and has a larger diameter toward the front end. As shown in FIG. 2, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is larger than the taper angle of the light-shielding portion 23, and more specifically, it is set to 120 degrees or more. Also, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is preferably set to 160 degrees or less. On the inner edge portion 22 of the flange 21, an inclined portion 24 is formed continuously with the outer peripheral portion of the light-shielding portion 23. The inclined portion 24 is tapered and has a larger diameter toward the front end. As shown in FIG. 2, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is larger than the taper angle of the light-shielding portion 23, and more specifically, it is set to 120 degrees or more. Also, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is preferably set to 160 degrees or less.

[0015] On the inner edge portion 22 of the flange 21, an inclined portion 24 is formed continuously with the outer peripheral portion of the light-shielding portion 23. The inclined portion 24 is tapered and has a larger diameter toward the front end. As shown in FIG. 2, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is larger than the taper angle of the light-shielding portion 23, and more specifically, it is set to 120 degrees or more. Also, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is preferably set to 160 degrees or less. On the inner edge portion 22 of the flange 21, an inclined portion 24 is formed continuously with the outer peripheral portion of the light-shielding portion 23. The inclined portion 24 is tapered and has a larger diameter toward the front end. As shown in FIG. 2, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is larger than the taper angle of the light-shielding portion 23, and more specifically, it is set to 120 degrees or more. Also, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is preferably set to 160 degrees or less. As shown in FIG. 2, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is larger than the taper angle of the light-shielding portion 23, and more specifically, it is set to 120 degrees or more. Also, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is preferably set to 160 degrees or less. As shown in FIG. 2, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is larger than the taper angle of the light-shielding portion 23, and more specifically, it is set to 120 degrees or more. Also, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is preferably set to 160 degrees or less. As shown in FIG. 2, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is larger than the taper angle of the light-shielding portion 23, and more specifically, it is set to 120 degrees or more. Also, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is preferably set to 160 degrees or less.

[0016] The flange 21 is continuous with the outer peripheral portion of the inclined portion 24 and has a front end surface 25 extending outward. The thickness t of the flange 21 at the front end surface 25 is set to have sufficient strength and rigidity to hold the lens 3. The thickness of the flange 21 is thinner than the thickness t of the front end surface 25 in the light shielding portion 23 and the inclined portion 24. If the thicknesses of the light shielding portion 23, the inclined portion 24, and the front end surface 25 become thinner, the rigidity will decrease and deformation will occur, or the strength will decrease and cracks will occur, and furthermore, the manufacturability will deteriorate.

[0017] The inclined portion 24 and the front end surface 25 of the flange 21 shown in FIG. 2 are formed almost at the front end of the lens barrel 2, but may be formed at a position recessed by one step on the side of the camera body 1, or conversely, may be formed at a position protruding by one step on the front side. Also, the connection portion between the light shielding portion 23 and the inclined portion 24, and the connection portion between the inclined portion 24 and the front end surface 25 may have corners or may be smoothly connected with rounded edges.

[0018] The lens 3 has a concave surface portion 3a on the surface side exposed to the outside air inside the light shielding portion 23 corresponding to the outer edge portion, and the surface side is concave with respect to the front. The lens 3 has a convex surface portion 3b on the inside continuous with the concave surface portion 3a, and the surface side is convex with respect to the front. The lens 3 shown in FIG. 2 is formed as an aspherical lens. Also, as described above, the lens 3 may be a spherical lens or the like, and in this case, the concave surface portion 3a may not be formed.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flange 21 portion. A surface treatment film 26 is formed on the surface of the light shielding portion 23, the inclined portion 24, and the front end surface 25 that are exposed to the outside air. Also, a surface treatment film 26 may be formed on the front end surface of the lens barrel 2 continuous with the outer edge portion of the front end surface 25. The flange 21​​​​ It is formed of an aluminum material, and the surface treatment film 26 is formed by black anodizing. Yes.

[0020] When water droplets adhere to the light-shielding part 23, the inclined part 24, and the front end surface 25 due to rainfall, the adhered water droplets become a resistance, and the flow velocity of the wind flowing outward from the center of the lens 3 as shown by the arrow P in FIG. 3 decreases. In order to make it easy for the water droplets adhering to the light-shielding part 23, the inclined part 24, and the front end surface 25 to flow outward and be discharged without staying, the surface treatment film 26 is formed. Yes. Yes.

[0021] In anodizing, an oxide film having a porous layer in which fine pores are formed by anodic oxidation is generated. The porous layer imparts adhesion for adhesion, adhesion, and painting. Since a coating film colored in silver, bronze, black, white, etc. is generated in a state of entering the porous layer, the coating film is difficult to peel off.

[0022] Also, by depositing a resin paint on the surface of the porous layer using a method such as electrodeposition coating, it is possible to obtain a surface with luster, matte finish, white, etc. Also, before anodizing, it may be subjected to a blasting treatment in which the surface is roughened by blasting with fine particles.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 2, a first heater 41 and a second heater 42 are provided on the lens 3 and the frame portion 20. The first heater 41 is ring-shaped and is attached to the outer edge portion on the back surface side of the lens 3. Also, the second heater 42 is ring-shaped and is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the frame portion 20 in the lens barrel 2. Yes.

[0024] The first heater 41 warms the lens 3 by heating, and the water droplets on the surface exposed to the outside air Reduce the viscosity and prevent the freezing of water droplets. The first heater 41 warms the lens 3 by heating the outer peripheral portion of the lens 3. The second heater 42 warms the lens 3 and the frame portion 20 by heating, and reduces the viscosity of water droplets on the surface of the lens 3 and the outer surface of the flange 21 of the frame portion 20, while preventing the freezing of water droplets.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera device 100. The camera device 100 includes an imaging unit 5 and a control unit 6. The imaging unit 5 has an image sensor 51, a first heater 41, and a second heater 42. The image sensor 51 is composed of a detector such as a CCD, and detects light incident on the camera body 1 through the lens 3. The first heater 41 and the second heater 42 heat the lens 3 and the frame portion 20 as described above.

[0026] The control unit 6 has a photographing control unit 61, a heater control unit 62, and an information acquisition unit 63. The photographing control unit 61 controls the image sensor 51 to photograph the outside of the vehicle. The heater control unit 62 controls the energization of the first heater 41 and the second heater 42 on and off. The information acquisition unit 63 acquires information on the state of the outside air of the vehicle and the traveling speed. The state of the outside air is, for example, weather (fine, rain, fog, snow, sleet, etc.), outside air temperature, etc.

[0027] The information acquisition unit 63 acquires the state of the outside air from a temperature sensor (not shown) provided in the vehicle. Further, the information acquisition unit 63 acquires information on the weather, etc. regarding the state of the outside air via a communication device (not shown). Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 63 acquires information indicating the traveling speed of the vehicle from a vehicle speed sensor (not shown), etc.

[0028] The heater control unit 62, based on the outside air condition and the driving speed acquired by the information acquisition unit 63, subsequently performs control to switch between a first energization state in which power is supplied to the first heater 41 and a second energization state in which, in addition to supplying power to the first heater 41, power is also supplied to the second heater 42.

[0029] Next, the operation of the camera device 100 will be described based on the energization control of each heater. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the energization control of each heater in the camera device 100. The information acquisition unit 63 of the control unit 6 acquires information on the outside air condition and the driving speed (S1). The heater control unit 62 determines whether the weather is rain or fog based on the information on the outside air condition (S2). The determination in step S2, in other words, is to determine that water droplets adhere to the surface of the lens 3 due to rainfall, fog, etc.

[0030] If it is determined in step S2 that the weather is rain or fog (S2: YES), the heater control unit 62 determines whether there is a possibility that water droplets will freeze due to the running of the vehicle based on the information on the outside air temperature and the driving speed (S3). The determination in step S3, in other words, is that water droplets adhering to the surface of the lens 3 due to the influence of the outside air temperature alone will not freeze or have the possibility of freezing, but due to the vehicle running, wind hits the lens 3 etc., and it is determined that there is a state where water droplets may actually freeze or have the possibility of freezing. The determination in step S3 is made by estimating from the outside air temperature and the driving speed of the vehicle. If it is determined in step S3 that there is no possibility that water droplets will freeze due to the running of the vehicle (S3: NO), the heater control unit 62 switches to the first energization state (S4) and ends the process. The first energization state is a state in which power supply to the first heater 41 is turned on as described above. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0031] In step S2, when it is determined that the weather is not rain or fog (S2: NO), the heater control unit 62 determines whether the weather is snow or sleet (S5). The determination in step S5 is, in other words, to determine that there is a state in which water droplets that may freeze or freeze on the surface of the lens 3 due to snow or sleet adhere. In step S5, when it is determined that the weather is snow or sleet (S5: YES), the heater control unit 62 performs switching control to the second energization state (S4) and ends the process. The second energization state is, as described above, a state in which both the first heater 41 and the second heater 42 are energized.

[0032] In step S5, when it is determined that the weather is not snow or sleet (S5: NO), the heater control unit 62 interprets that the weather is clear, for example, and ends the process with the energization of the first heater 41 and the second heater 4 2 turned off.

[0033] Also, in step S3, when it is determined that there is a possibility that water droplets may freeze due to the running of the vehicle (S3: YES), the heater control unit 62 performs switching control to the second energization state (S4) and ends the process. By appropriately repeating the processes from step S1 to S6 described above, the control unit 6 performs energization control of the heater of the camera device 10 0 based on the information on the state of the outside air and the running speed that change every moment. Incidentally, the switching step in the present invention corresponds to the processes from step S2 to S6 as described above.

[0034] The camera device 100, based on the information on the state of the outside air and the running speed, the first heater 41 and ​​​​By executing switching control to turn on and off the power supply to the second heater 42, the lens 3 This can prevent water droplets from adhering to the surface.

[0035] The control unit 6 controls the first heater 41 to heat the surface of the lens 3 to reduce the viscosity of the water droplets. In this way, adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3 is suppressed. The snow or ice adhering to the surface of the lens 3 is melted by the heating of the first heater 41 and the second heater 42. This prevents water droplets from adhering to the lens 3.

[0036] The camera device 100 obtains information on the weather and the outside temperature as the outside air condition. Therefore, it is possible to predict that snow or ice will fall on the lens 3, and the surface of the lens 3 will be This allows the determination of whether or not the water droplets will freeze.

[0037] The control unit 6 of the camera device 100 receives information on the weather, such as rain or fog, the outside temperature, and the driving speed. When the water droplets do not freeze due to the information, the power supply to the first heater 41 is turned on. The camera device 100 controls the first heater 41 to be in a first power-on state. As a result, the lens 3 is heated and the viscosity of the water droplets falling on the surface of the lens 3 increases. This reduces the water droplets, making them easier to remove, and thus makes it possible to suppress adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3.

[0038] The control unit 6 determines whether the weather is rainy or foggy, and whether water droplets freeze based on the information on the outside temperature and the driving speed. When there is a possibility of fusion, the first heater 41 and the second heater 42 are turned on. When the weather is snow or sleet, the control unit 6 controls the first heater to the second power-on state. The power supply to the camera 41 and the second heater 42 is controlled to a second power supply state in which the power supply to the camera 41 and the second heater 42 is turned on. When the power supply to the first heater 41 and the second heater 42 is turned on, the lens 3 and the frame portion 20 are heated, and the freezing of water droplets adhering to the outer surface of the flange 21 of the lens 3 and the frame portion 20 is suppressed, and snow and ice are melted, and the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3 can be suppressed.

[0039] Next, the features of the camera device 100 according to the above-described embodiment and the heating control method of the camera device 100 will be described. The camera device 100 according to the embodiment includes a lens 3 exposed to the outside air, a lens barrel 2, a first heater 4 1, a second heater 42, and a control unit 6. The lens barrel 2 covers the outer edge portion of the lens 3 and has a flange 21 having a water-repellent treatment on the outer surface of the inner edge portion continuous with the lens 3. The first heater 4 1 heats the lens 3. The second heater 42 heats the outer surface of the flange 21. The control unit 6 switches between a first energization state in which the first heater 41 is energized and a second energization state in which the second heater 42 is energized in addition to the first heater 41 based on the state of the outside air of the vehicle and the traveling speed. Thereby, the camera device 100 can suppress the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3. The control unit 6 switches between a first energization state when water droplets adhere to the lens 3 and a second energization state when water droplets freeze on the outer surface of the flange 21 based on the state of the outside air of the vehicle and the traveling speed. Thereby, the camera device 100 can suppress the freezing of water droplets on the outer surface of the flange 21 and can suppress the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3. The control unit 6 acquires information on the weather and the outside air temperature as the state of the outside air of the vehicle.

[0040] Also, the control unit 6 sets the first energization state when water droplets adhere to the lens 3 and sets the second energization state when water droplets freeze on the outer surface of the flange 21 based on the state of the outside air of the vehicle and the traveling speed. Thereby, the camera device 100 can suppress the freezing of water droplets on the outer surface of the flange 21 and can suppress the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3. The control unit 6 acquires information on the weather and the outside air temperature as the state of the outside air of the vehicle. Thereby, the camera device 100 can suppress the freezing of water droplets on the outer surface of the flange 21 and can suppress the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3. The control unit 6 acquires information on the weather and the outside air temperature as the state of the outside air of the vehicle.

[0041] Also, the control unit 6 acquires information on the weather and the outside air temperature as the state of the outside air of the vehicle. Therefore, the camera device 100 can predict that snow or ice will fall on the lens 3, and can determine whether water droplets freeze on the surface of the lens 3.

[0042] In addition, the control unit 6 heats the first heater 41 to reduce the viscosity of the water droplets adhering to the surface of the lens 3, and heats the second heater 42 to melt the snow or ice adhering to the surface of the lens 3. Thereby, the camera device 100 melts the snow or ice adhering to the surface of the lens 3, so as to suppress the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3.

[0043] The heating control method is a heating control method for a vehicle camera device 100 in which a flange 21 having a water-repellent treatment on the outer surface of the inner edge portion connected to the lens 3 is provided on the lens barrel 2 so as to cover the outer edge portion of the lens 3 exposed to the outside air, and includes an information acquisition step and a switching step. The information acquisition step acquires the state of the outside air and the traveling speed of the vehicle. The switching step switches between a first energization state in which the first heater 41 that heats the lens 3 is energized and a second energization state in which the second heater 42 that heats the outer surface of the flange 21 in addition to the first heater 41 is energized based on the state of the outside air and the traveling speed acquired in the information acquisition step. According to this method, the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3 of the camera device 100 can be suppressed. step. According to this method, the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3 of the camera device 100 can be suppressed. Based on the state of the outside air and the traveling speed acquired by the information acquisition step, the first heater 41 that heats the lens 3 is energized, and the second heater 42 that heats the outer surface of the flange 21 in addition to the first heater 41 is energized. According to this method, the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3 of the camera device 100 can be suppressed. According to this method, the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3 of the camera device 100 can be suppressed. The above has been described based on the embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are illustrative, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various

[0044] modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention, and such modifications and changes are also within the scope of the claims of the present invention. Therefore, the description and drawings in this specification should be treated as illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, the description and drawings in this specification should be treated as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Explanation of Symbols

[0045] 2 lens barrel, 21 flange, 3 lens, 41 first heater, 42 second heater, 6 control unit, 100 camera device.

Claims

1. A camera device for use in a vehicle, comprising: Lenses exposed to the outside air, The outer edge of the lens is covered, and a water-repellent treatment is applied to the outer surface of the inner edge connected to the lens. a lens barrel having a flange; a first heater for heating the lens; a second heater for heating the outer surface of the flange; When the weather is such that water droplets are attached to the lens, the first heater is energized. In the first current-carrying state, water droplets on the outer surface of the flange are frozen. a control unit that switches between a first power supply state in which power is supplied to the second heater in addition to the first heater and a second power supply state in which power is supplied to the second heater in addition to the first heater. A camera device comprising:

2. The control unit detects water droplets on the lens when the weather is rainy or foggy. and determining whether water is present on the outer surface of the flange when the weather is snow or sleet. Determine that the droplets are in a state where they will freeze; The camera device according to claim 1 .

3. The outer edge of the lens exposed to the outside air is covered, and the outer surface of the inner edge connected to the lens is treated to be water repellent. A method for controlling heating of a camera device for a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: An information acquisition step of acquiring weather information; The step of acquiring information on the weather condition is performed based on the weather condition acquired in the step of acquiring information on the weather condition. a first power supply state in which a first heater for heating the lens is powered when the lens is in the first power supply state, In addition to the first heater, when water droplets on the outer surface of the flange are in a state where they freeze, A second energization state is set in which a second heater that heats the outer surface of the flange is energized. A switching step for switching A heating control method for a camera device comprising:

Images