Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that allows deposits on a lens surface to be accurately wiped off while suppressing an increase in the size of the apparatus.SOLUTION: A wiper part 145c of a lens wiper 145 is positioned in front of the lens 80 so that the exposed surface of the lens 80 can be wiped. In the standby state of the lens wiper 145, the wiper part 145c is placed at a position that does not hinder light entering the lens 80 while being located on the exposed surface of the lens 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device, and is suitable for application to, for example, an in-vehicle camera device or a stereo camera in a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an imaging device equipped with a wiper has been proposed in Patent Document 1. In this imaging device, a lens and a lens barrel surrounding the lens are held by a housing, and a wiper is installed above the lens without covering the lens, and the wiper is able to swing around a rotation axis located outside the lens barrel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-53448 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an imaging device is used outdoors, for example, when an in-vehicle camera device is installed outside the vehicle cabin, there is a problem of raindrops and other foreign objects adhering to the lens, so a wiper is required. However, a small imaging device does not have the space to install a wiper, and from the standpoint of design, it is also an issue to make the wiper small and inconspicuous. For this reason, a structure in which wipers are provided on the outside of the lens and lens barrel, as in the imaging device of Patent Document 1, results in a large device and high costs.

[0005] Furthermore, in the imaging device of Patent Document 1, the wiper does not contact the lens when in standby mode, and when wiping off deposits from the lens surface, the wiper moves across the boundary between the lens and the lens barrel. As a result, the wiper rubber cannot reach the depths of the recess caused by the step at the boundary between the lens and the lens barrel, and the lens cannot be wiped properly. To address this issue, it is possible to provide a cover glass that covers the lens and lens barrel to eliminate the step, but this would complicate the waterproof structure, making the device even larger and more expensive.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an imaging device that can accurately wipe off deposits on the lens surface while preventing the device from becoming larger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An imaging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: A storage container (10-30), a lens (80) that is accommodated in the container, one surface of which is exposed to the outside of the container as an exposed surface, and that takes in external light; an imager (60) disposed inside the container relative to the lens and capturing an image of the outside based on light captured by the lens; an imager board (70) that is disposed inside the container relative to the lens and controls the imager; a wiper device (140) including a lens wiper (145) for wiping the exposed surface of the lens; The lens wiper includes a wiper portion (145c) having a wiper rubber and a wiper blade, and in a standby state in which the wiper device is not driven, the wiper portion is positioned on the exposed surface of the lens and partially blocks light from entering the lens.

[0008] In this way, the wiper portion of the lens wiper is disposed on the front surface of the lens, enabling the lens surface to be wiped. Therefore, the lens wiper can smooth out deposits on the lens surface, such as raindrops, and remove dirt. Even when the lens wiper is in a standby state, the wiper portion is positioned on the exposed surface of the lens, blocking light from entering the lens. Therefore, when the wiper portion wipes the lens surface, it does not cross the boundary between the lens and the lens fixing portion, allowing the lens surface to be wiped accurately. Furthermore, since no cover glass is provided on the front surface of the lens and the lens fixing portion to make the surfaces flush, the device can be kept small in size and costs can be reduced. Therefore, an imaging device can be achieved that can accurately wipe off deposits on the lens surface while keeping the device small in size.

[0009] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and the specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a camera system to which a camera device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the camera device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the camera device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the movable range of the lens wiper and the imager. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a camera device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the camera device shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the camera device shown in FIG. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the state of replacement of the wiper unit in a standby state and a replacement mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a camera device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of the camera device shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the camera device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, including other embodiments described below, identical or equivalent parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In this embodiment, a camera device will be described as an example of an imaging device. This camera device is, for example, mounted on a vehicle and is used to capture images to grasp the state of the vehicle's surroundings. For example, a camera device 1 is applied to a camera system configured as shown in FIG. 1, and is controlled by communicating with an external ECU (electronic control unit) 200 mounted on the vehicle.

[0013] For convenience, the drawings accompanying this specification show the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. As shown in Fig. 2, one direction within the tip surface of camera device 1 and the direction perpendicular to that direction are respectively referred to as the X-axis and Y-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis is referred to as the Z-axis. In addition, in the Z-axis direction, the end 2 of camera device 1 on the side where imaging is performed is referred to as the tip, and the end 3 on the opposite side is referred to as the rear end.

[0014] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the camera device 1 includes a cover 10, a case 20, a head 30, a guide 40, a lens barrel 50, an imager 60, an imager board 70, a lens 80, a lens fixing portion 90, optical components 100, an infrared irradiation portion 110, an LED board 120, a rubber gasket 130, a wiper device 140, and the like.

[0015] The cover 10 constitutes a part of the housing container of the camera device 1 and constitutes a portion of the housing container on the rear end 3 side, opposite the front end 2 side where the guide 40 is arranged. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the cover 10 has a rectangular outer shape with two sides along the X-axis and two sides along the Y-axis. One side facing the case 20 is open, forming a hollow portion 11 inside, giving the cover a generally rectangular cylindrical shape with a bottom. The cover 10 may be made of any material, but may be made of resin, for example. An opening 13 is formed in the center of the bottom 12 of the cover 10. A shielding portion 14 is disposed along the inner wall surface of the cover 10 within the hollow portion 11, and the shielding portion 14 and a portion of a terminal 15 are fitted into the opening 13, with the terminal 15 protruding to the outside of the cover 10. A connector 16 is also formed on the cover 10 so as to protrude from the bottom 12 toward the outside of the camera device 1. When this connector 16 is connected to another connector (not shown), power is supplied to the camera device 1 and image data captured by the camera device 1 is output to the external ECU 200 .

[0016] A part of the lens barrel 50, the imager 60, and the imager board 70 are housed within the hollow portion 11 of the cover 10. The imager 60 and the imager board 70 are surrounded by a shield portion 14, which prevents external noise from being transmitted to the imager 60 and the imager board 70.

[0017] Case 20 constitutes part of the storage container of camera device 1, and when viewed from the Z-axis direction, has a rectangular outer shape with two sides along the X-axis and two sides along the Y-axis, and is configured as a roughly rectangular tube with a hollow portion 21 that runs through the interior along the Z-axis. The material of case 20 is arbitrary, but is, for example, resin. Case 20 houses part of lens barrel 50 and part of optical component 100 within hollow portion 21.

[0018] An engagement protrusion 24, whose outer dimensions are slightly smaller than those of the remaining portions, is formed on the end of the case 20 facing the cover 10. This engagement protrusion 24 is fitted into the hollow portion 11 of the cover 10, thereby integrating the case 20 and the cover 10. The outer dimensions of the case 20 and the cover 10, i.e., the approximate rectangle, are the same, and the faces that make up each side of the approximate rectangle form the same plane. The boundary between the case 20 and the cover 10 is welded, thereby joining the two in a tight contact state. Note that these joining methods may be other methods than welding, such as adhesion or press-fitting.

[0019] An engagement protrusion 25 is also formed on the end of case 20 facing the head 30, and this engagement protrusion 25 is fitted into the end of head 30 facing the case 20, described below, thereby fixing case 20 and head 30 together. The external shapes of case 20 and head 30, i.e., the external dimensions of the approximately rectangular shape, are the same, and the faces that make up each side of the approximately rectangular shape form the same plane. As a result, the faces of cover 10, case 20, and head 30 are all on the same plane, and the overall shape of the storage container for camera device 1 formed by these elements is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped.

[0020] The boundary between the case 20 and the head 30 is sealed with adhesive or the like, but this can also be achieved by welding the boundary. Of course, other methods other than welding are also acceptable.

[0021] 6, a recess 26 extending along the Z axis is formed in a part of the inner wall of the case 20. This recess 26 accommodates a part of a motor 141 (described later) provided in the wiper device 140.

[0022] The head 30 constitutes part of the housing of the camera device 1. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the head 30 has a rectangular outer shape with two sides along the X-axis and two sides along the Y-axis, and is a generally rectangular tube with a hollow portion 31 that runs through the interior along the Z-axis. The head 30 may be made of any material, but may be made of metal, for example. The head 30 accommodates, within the hollow portion 31, a portion of the lens barrel 50, a portion of the optical component 100, a lens 80, an infrared irradiation unit 110, an LED substrate 120, a lens fixing unit 90, a rubber packing 130, and a portion of the wiper device 140. A guide 40 is disposed at the end 2 of the head 30 closest to the tip of the camera device 1, so as to fit into the hollow portion 31. The guide 40, the lens 80, and the lens fixing unit 90, which includes an O-ring 96 (described later), prevent water from entering the hollow portion 31.

[0023] The hollow portion 31 of the head 30 has a stepped shape extending from the front end 2 toward the rear end 3 along the Z axis. Therefore, the dimensions of the hollow portion 31, i.e., the inner wall dimensions of the head 30, change in stages. Specifically, the dimensions of the hollow portion 31 at the first portion 31a, which is the most front-end side, are made to match the outer dimensions of the guide 40. The inner wall dimensions of the second portion 31b, which is located rearward of the first portion 31a, are smaller than those of the first portion 31a. The guide 40 is fitted into the hollow portion 31, with the boundary between the first portion 31a and the second portion 31b serving as a seat, and is adhered to the guide 40 by adhesive or the like. The inner wall dimensions of the hollow portion 31 at the third portion 31c, which is located rearward of the second portion 31b, are further reduced to match the outer shapes of the lens barrel 50 and the lens fixing portion 90. The boundary between second section 31b and third section 31c serves as a mounting surface, and LED substrate 120, infrared irradiation section 110, and rubber packing 130 are disposed within hollow section 31. Furthermore, part of lens barrel 50, part of lens fixing section 90, and part of optical component 100 are disposed within third section 31c.

[0024] 6, a recess 32 extending along the Z axis is also formed in a portion of the inner wall of the head 30. The recess 32 is connected to the recess 26 of the case 20, and accommodates a portion of a motor 141 (described later) and other components provided in the wiper device 140.

[0025] 4 to 6, a metal ground spring 160 is provided at the boundary between cover 10 and case 20. This ground spring 160 serves to prevent lens barrel 50 from wobbling relative to case 20, and also to prevent external noise from being transmitted to imager 60 and imager board 70.

[0026] Guide 40 is a plate-like member that protects the functional components of camera device 1, and is made of glass, acrylic resin, or the like. Guide 40 has a rectangular outer shape with two sides along the X-axis and two sides along the Y-axis, and when attached to head 30, it prevents water from entering the interior of camera device 1 together with lens 80 and lens fixing part 90. An opening 41 is formed in the center of guide 40, and parts of lens 80 and lens fixing part 90 are exposed through this opening 41.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the guide 40 is composed of a first guide section 42 and a second guide section 43 stacked on top of each other. The first guide section 42 is made of a light-guiding material that transmits visible light and infrared light. The second guide section 43 is made of a material that transmits infrared light but blocks or attenuates visible light. Because the second guide section 43 blocks visible light, it allows infrared light from the infrared irradiation section 110 to pass through while making the illumination of the internal light source less noticeable from the outside, improving the design.

[0028] A space 44 is defined between the first guide portion 42 and the second guide portion 43, and some of the components constituting the wiper device 140 are housed within the space 44. An opening 41 is formed in the first guide portion 42 and the second guide portion 43, and a gap is provided between the first guide portion 42 and the second guide portion 43 outside the opening 41, thereby defining the space 44. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the second guide portion 43 is a rectangular flat-plate member, and the end portion 2 side, i.e., the side exposed to the outside, is a flat surface. The first guide portion 42 is also a rectangular flat-plate member, but has a frame-shaped protrusion 42a formed on its outer edge that protrudes toward the second guide portion 43. The space 44 is defined between the first guide portion 42 and the second guide portion 43 in a portion inward of the protrusion 42a.

[0029] A plurality of through holes 42b penetrating in the Z-axis direction are formed in the first guide portion 42 around the opening 41. Similarly, a plurality of through holes 43a penetrating in the Z-axis direction are formed in the second guide portion 43 around the opening 41. Components of the wiper device 140, specifically, shaft portions thereof, can be disposed through the thickness of the guide 40 via the through holes 42b and 43a.

[0030] Lens barrel 50 corresponds to a housing that transmits light received by lens 80 to imager 60. Lens barrel 50 is configured in a tubular shape, here a substantially cylindrical shape, with a hollow portion 51 penetrating along the Z-axis direction, and is made of a metal such as aluminum. The optical axis of lens barrel 50 is in a direction along the Z-axis, here parallel to the Z-axis.

[0031] The lens barrel 50 holds the lens 80 and other optical components 100 in a desired positional relationship, i.e., a positional relationship in which light is focused at the location where the imager 60 is disposed. Although not shown, multiple optical components 100 are disposed along the Z axis within the hollow portion 51 of the lens barrel 50 and are held on the inner wall surface of the lens barrel 50. Furthermore, a lens housing portion 52 is formed on the front end 2 side of the lens barrel 50. The lens housing portion 52 is recessed from the front end 2 side toward the rear end 3 side, and the inner wall dimensions of the lens barrel 50 are larger than the location where the optical components 100 are disposed. The lens 80 is disposed in this lens housing portion 52, so that the lens 80 abuts against the front end of the lens barrel 50. An O-ring 53 is disposed in the lens housing portion 52 of the lens barrel 50 at a portion located on the outer periphery of the lens 80, which seals the gap between the lens 80 and the lens barrel 50 and also positions the lens 80 in the XY plane.

[0032] Furthermore, a recess 54 in which imager 60 is disposed is formed on the rear end 3 side of barrel 50, and furthermore, rear end 3 side of barrel 50 is bonded to imager substrate 70 via adhesive 55. Therefore, the positional relationship of lens 80 and optical component 100 with respect to imager 60 is set to the desired positional relationship, and light taken in through lens 80 is input to imager 60 in a focused state.

[0033] 6, a semi-cylindrical recess 57 extending along the Z axis is formed in a portion of the outer wall of lens barrel 50. Recess 26 of case 20 and recess 32 of head 30 are connected to this recess 57, and a portion of motor 141 (described later) provided in wiper device 140 is housed therein.

[0034] The imager 60, in other words, the image sensor, is a sensing element and is composed of a CMOS, a CCD, etc. The imager 60 is arranged inside the container relative to the lens 80, and constitutes an imaging unit that receives light through the lens 80 and optical component 100 and captures an image of an object reflected in the lens 80. The imager 60 has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction in the X-axis direction and its lateral direction in the Y-axis direction, and is arranged so that the lens 80 and the imager 60 overlap when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0035] The imager board 70 includes electronic components such as various elements that drive the imager 60, and is a board on which the ECU 71 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted. In addition to controlling the imager 60, the imager board 70 also controls the on / off of the infrared irradiation unit 110. The imager board 70, together with the imager 60, is arranged inside the housing container relative to the lens 80. The imager board 70 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped board having two sides along the X-axis and two sides along the Y-axis, and the imager 60 is mounted on its surface, specifically on one surface on the tip 2 side.

[0036] Terminals 15 are connected to the other side of the imager board 70 opposite the imager 60, enabling power supply to the imager 60 and various elements provided on the imager board 70 and output of image data captured by the imager 60. In addition, the ECU 71 provided on the imager board 70 drives a motor 141 (described below) provided in the wiper device 140, and is also able to drive the motor 141 based on power supply from the terminals 15. Specifically, a terminal support member 15a is connected to the other side of the imager board 70, and terminals 15 are fitted into the terminal support member 15a. The terminals 15 protrude to the outside of the cover 10 through the opening 13 in the cover 10.

[0037] Lens 80 is located at the outermost position of camera device 1, including other optical components 100, with one surface exposed to the outside. The optical axis of lens 80 coincides with the optical axis of lens barrel 50. For example, it is made of a convex lens whose center is convex toward tip 2 relative to the outer edge, and is located at the tip of lens barrel 50. Lens 80 is made of, for example, glass. The convex surface on the front side of lens 80 is exposed from opening 41 of guide 40, and takes in light from outside camera device 1 through opening 41.

[0038] The lens fixing portion 90 is a member that fixes the lens 80 to the tip of the lens barrel 50. The lens fixing portion 90 is made of, for example, metal.

[0039] The lens fixing portion 90 is cylindrical and has a bottom, with a circular opening 92 formed in the center of the bottom 91. The portion of the bottom 91 surrounding the opening 92 is configured to press the outer periphery of the lens 80 toward the lens barrel 50. Specifically, the portion of the bottom 91 surrounding the opening 92 has a curved or truncated conical inner wall surface that matches the shape of the lens 80, and presses the lens 80 toward the lens barrel 50. Here, the lens fixing portion 90 may be in direct contact with the lens 80 to press the lens 80 toward the lens barrel 50, but a gasket 170 is provided between the lens fixing portion 90 and the lens 80 to take into account manufacturing errors of each component. In other words, since it is possible that the lens fixing portion 90 will not be able to accurately press the lens 80 toward the lens barrel 50 due to manufacturing errors of the lens 80, or manufacturing errors of the lens fixing portion 90 or the lens barrel 50, the gasket 170 is provided to absorb the manufacturing errors. The gasket 170 is a hollow, thin, truncated cone made of, for example, copper, which is a soft material.

[0040] A female screw groove 94 is formed on the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 93 of the lens fixing portion 90, and a male screw groove 56 is formed on the outer peripheral surface at the tip side of the lens barrel 50. When the lens 80 and gasket 170 are placed at the tip of the lens barrel 50, and the lens fixing portion 90 is fitted into the tip of the lens barrel 50 and rotated, the female screw groove 94 and the male screw groove 56 fasten together, and the lens fixing portion 90 is fixed to the tip of the lens barrel 50 on the lens 80 side. In this way, the lens 80 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the lens fixing portion 90 and the tip of the lens barrel 50. Furthermore, because the gasket 170 is disposed between the lens fixing portion 90 and the lens 80, the gasket 170 functions to adjust the groove position, and the lens 80 is accurately fixed in the desired position between the lens barrel 50 and the lens fixing portion 90. That is, it is necessary to align the screw start positions of the male screw groove 56 and the female screw groove 94 and to align the rotational positions of the male screw groove 56 and the female screw groove 94 after fastening, but by disposing a gasket 170 made of a soft material such as copper, it is possible to reduce the sensitivity of the axial force of the threads to the angle. This improves the degree of freedom of the fastening angle of the lens fixing part 90 in the rotational direction of the male screw groove 56 and the female screw groove 94, making groove positioning easier and allowing the lens 80 to be accurately fixed in the desired position.

[0041] An annular groove 95 is formed on one surface of the bottom 91 of the lens fixing part 90 facing the guide 40, i.e., on the surface facing the guide 40. An O-ring 96 is fitted into this groove 95. This seals the opening 41 of the guide 40 and the outer periphery of the lens fixing part 90, i.e., the side where the infrared irradiation part 110 is arranged, thereby waterproofing the infrared irradiation part 110.

[0042] Furthermore, a through-hole 97 that connects the lens 80 side to the lens barrel 50 side is formed in the bottom 91 of the lens fixing part 90. A drive shaft 143 of a wiper device 140 (described later) is inserted into this through-hole 97.

[0043] The optical component 100 is disposed within the hollow portion 51 of the lens barrel 50, closer to the imager 60 than the lens 80. Although the details of the optical component 100 are not shown in the figure, it is constituted by a plurality of lenses arranged in the Z-axis direction. The lens 80 and the optical component 100 collect the captured light and input it to the imager 60. The arrangement, number, and shape of the optical component 100 are arbitrary, but it is set so that the captured light can be collected and input to the imager 60.

[0044] The infrared irradiating unit 110 outputs infrared rays toward the outside of the container. For example, the infrared irradiating unit 110 is configured with a semiconductor light source such as an infrared LED (Light Emission Diode), a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser), or a PCSEL (Photonic Crystal Laser). Here, the infrared irradiating unit 110 is configured with an infrared LED. The infrared LED is approximately hemispherical, with a spherical surface on the side that irradiates infrared rays and a flat surface on the opposite side, and wiring or pads (not shown) are formed on the flat surface. The flat surface side of the infrared LED is directly mounted on one surface of the LED substrate 120.

[0045] The infrared irradiating unit 110 is disposed adjacent to the lens 80 and irradiates infrared rays toward the outside of the camera device 1. As a result, when it is dark around the camera device 1, infrared rays are irradiated toward the outside of the camera device 1 and the lens 80 serves as a receiver to receive reflected infrared light, thereby enabling night vision.

[0046] An infrared irradiator 110 is provided at each of the four corners of the camera device 1, which has a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The optical axis of each infrared irradiator 110 can be any angle as long as it can irradiate infrared rays into the shooting range of the camera device 1. However, it is preferable to tilt the optical axis of each infrared irradiator 110 with respect to the optical axis of the lens barrel 50, which in this embodiment is a straight line C1 indicated by the dashed line in Figure 4, because this prevents reflected infrared light from being incident on the lens 80 with excessively high intensity.

[0047] The current supply wiring 110a to the infrared irradiation unit 110 is electrically connected to the imager board 70 through a through hole 111 that serves as a wiring passage and is formed in the lens barrel 50 or the like. Although not shown, the current supply wiring 110a is covered with a resin or the like and is insulated from the lens barrel 50. The ECU 71 provided on the imager board 70 controls the supply of current to the infrared irradiation unit 110 through this current supply wiring 110a.

[0048] The LED substrate 120 is a mounting substrate that serves as a base for holding the infrared irradiation unit 110. In this embodiment, the infrared irradiation unit 110 is directly mounted on the LED substrate 120. As shown in FIG. 6, the LED substrate 120 has a rectangular frame shape, with a circular opening 121 in the center. The diameter of the opening 121 is matched to the outer diameter of the lens fixing unit 90, and as shown in FIG. 4, the lens fixing unit 90 fits into the opening 121.

[0049] The rubber packing 130 is a member sandwiched between the guide 40 and the head 30 to prevent water from entering between the guide 40 and the head 30. The rubber packing 130 has a rectangular frame shape with a hollow portion 131, and the four corners of the hollow portion 131 are formed as circular holes 131a that are approximately circular and rounded to fit the shape of the infrared irradiation unit 110. The outer dimensions of the rubber packing 130 are larger than the inner dimensions of the head 30, and the dimensions of the hollow portion 131 are smaller than the outer dimensions of the guide 40. This covers and seals the gap between the guide 40 and the head 30.

[0050] The wiper device 140 includes a motor 141, a gearbox 142, a drive shaft 143, a link mechanism 144, a lens wiper 145, a light source wiper 146, and the like.

[0051] The motor 141 is a power source for the wiper device 140, and its drive is controlled via the ECU 71 of the imager board 70. The ECU 71 of the imager board 70 is capable of adjusting the amount of electricity supplied to the motor 141, and the motor 141 increases or decreases its rotation speed in accordance with the increase or decrease in the amount of electricity supplied. The motor 141 is cylindrical, and although not shown, its built-in motor rotation shaft is oriented in the Z-axis direction, with the longitudinal direction of the motor 141 corresponding to the Z-axis direction. The motor 141, gearbox 142, and drive shaft 143 are arranged in the Z-axis direction, i.e., along the optical axis of the lens 80, thereby reducing the size of the motor drive system and the size of the camera device 1.

[0052] The motor 141, together with the gearbox 142, is housed in a housing space 180 formed by the recess 26 of the case 20, the recess 32 of the head 30, and the recess 57 of the lens barrel 50. By connecting this housing space 180 to the through-hole 111, the size of the camera device 1 can be made smaller than if these were formed separately.

[0053] The type of motor 141 is arbitrary, but here a DC motor is applied. As the motor 141, a type that can detect the rotation angle and control the drive, such as a servo motor or stepping motor, can also be used. However, servo motors are expensive, and stepping motors cannot operate at high speeds. On the other hand, as will be described later, by monitoring the wiper position using image analysis, it is not necessary to detect the rotation angle of the motor 141. For this reason, a DC motor that is inexpensive and can operate at high speeds is applied as the motor 141.

[0054] The gear box 142 incorporates a gear mechanism connected to the motor rotation shaft of the motor 141 , and obtains a desired torque by attenuating the motor rotation speed, and outputs it from the drive shaft 143 .

[0055] The drive shaft 143 is connected to the link mechanism 144, and transmits the rotation of the desired torque converted by the gear box 142 to the link mechanism 144 as a driving force. In this embodiment, because the motor 141 and the gear box 142 are housed in the housing space 180, the drive shaft 143 needs to protrude from the housing space 180 toward the link mechanism 144. For this reason, the drive shaft 143 is inserted into a through-hole 97 formed in the bottom 91 of the lens fixing part 90. The drive shaft 143 has a structure in which, for example, two members are coaxially connected. In FIG. 6, the portion of the drive shaft 143 connected to the gear box 142 and the portion connected to the link mechanism 144 are shown separately so that the connection relationship with the link mechanism 144 can be seen.

[0056] Link mechanism 144 is connected to lens wiper 145 and light source wiper 146, and drives lens wiper 145 and light source wiper 146 based on the driving force transmitted from drive shaft 143. Link mechanism 144 is disposed in space 44 between first guide portion 42 and second guide portion 43, and is connected to all of lens wiper 145 and light source wiper 146. The structure of link mechanism 144 is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , it has a structure including a U-shaped portion 144a and a branch portion 144b that is connected from U-shaped portion 144a to a part of light source wiper 146. Drive shaft 143 is connected to a location of U-shaped portion 144a that corresponds to through hole 97, and driving force is transmitted to link mechanism 144. When the motor 141 is driven and a driving force is transmitted to the link mechanism 144, the lens wiper 145 and the light source wiper 146 are driven simultaneously, and as the driving force increases or decreases with the increase or decrease in the motor rotation, the wiper speed can increase or decrease accordingly.

[0057] The lens wiper 145 is a wiper that wipes away deposits from the convex surface, which is the exposed surface of the lens 80. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the lens wiper 145 has a shaft 145a, an arm 145b, and a wiper portion 145c. The arm 145b of the lens wiper 145 is exposed on the surface of the guide 40, and the wiper portion 145c is exposed on the surface of the lens 80. The shaft 145a is connected to the link mechanism 144 through a through-hole 42b formed in the first guide portion 42. As shown in FIG. 6, a recess 91a is formed on one surface of the bottom 91 of the lens fixing portion 90 facing the guide 40 at a position corresponding to the shaft 145a, and the shaft 145a is fitted into this recess 91a. Furthermore, the tip of the shaft 145a protrudes outside the guide 40 through a through-hole 43a formed in the second guide portion 43, and the arm 145b is attached to this protruding portion.

[0058] Wiper section 145c has a structure in which a wiper rubber is attached to a wiper blade, with the wiper blade connected to arm 145b, and the wiper rubber abutting against the surface of lens 80. When link mechanism 144 is driven based on motor rotation, arm 145b and wiper section 145c are caused to swing around shaft 145a, and foreign matter is removed by the wiper rubber from the surface of lens 80. The wiper rubber is coated with a water-repellent coating to ensure a longer wiping effect on lens 80 and longer high visibility, i.e., clearer image data.

[0059] In this embodiment, lens wipers 145 are arranged one on each side of the center of lens 80, at separate positions. More specifically, the pair of lens wipers 145 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line along the Y axis that passes through the center of lens 80. The direction in which the pair of lens wipers 145 are aligned is the X axis direction, which coincides with the longitudinal direction of imager 60, which has a rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 6, and in this embodiment, this direction is aligned with the horizontal direction when mounted on a vehicle.

[0060] The longitudinal direction of the imager 60 is the direction in which the image capture range becomes wider. On the other hand, the direction in which the two lens wipers 145 are aligned is the direction in which deposits can be removed over a wider range. Therefore, by aligning these directions, it becomes possible for the lens wiper 145 to wipe off a wider area within the image capture range of the imager 60. FIG. 7 shows the movable range of the lens wiper 145, i.e., the range in which deposits can be wiped off, by hatching in the cases of a horizontal arrangement in which the longitudinal direction of the imager 60 and the alignment direction of the two lens wipers 145 are aligned, and an orthogonal arrangement in which the longitudinal direction of the imager 60 and the alignment direction of the two lens wipers 145 are perpendicular to each other. As shown in this figure, in the case of the horizontal arrangement, the area that cannot be wiped is small within the image capture range of the imager 60, indicated by the thick line in the figure. On the other hand, in the case of the orthogonal arrangement, the area that cannot be wiped within the image capture range of the imager 60 is wider than in the case of the horizontal arrangement. Therefore, by aligning the longitudinal direction of the imager 60 with the direction in which the two lens wipers 145 are aligned, it becomes possible to wipe the surface of the lens 80 over a wider range, and the range of images that can be captured clearly becomes wider.

[0061] Furthermore, depending on the mounting configuration of the camera device 1 on a vehicle, it is preferable that the alignment direction of the lens wipers 145 coincide with the horizontal direction. In other words, when the camera device 1 is in a normal installation position, that is, when the camera device 1 is normally installed on an installation target such as a vehicle, it is preferable that the alignment direction of the lens wipers 145 coincide with the approximately horizontal direction. The horizontal direction is the direction in which a wider range of images is desired to be captured by the imager 60. That is, the horizontal direction is the direction in which various objects exist and image data relating to them is desired to be acquired. However, the vertical direction, particularly the vertical direction, is an area in which few objects exist and requires less image data, so it is desirable to make the longitudinal direction of the imager 60 the horizontal direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the imager 60 coincides with the horizontal direction, and the lens wipers 145 are also aligned horizontally. This allows the lens 80 to be wiped over a wider area in directions where more image data is needed, thereby enabling clearer image data to be obtained.

[0062] Even when each lens wiper 145 is in a standby state where it is not driven, the arm 145b and the wiper portion 145c are positioned on the exposed surface of the lens 80, partially blocking light from entering the lens 80. The movable range of the lens wiper 145 is the inside of the convex surface of the lens 80, and the arm 145b and the wiper portion 145c are swung between the uppermost and lowermost positions in Figure 3, with the upper position being the standby position where the lens wiper 145 is in a standby state.

[0063] The light source wipers 146 are wipers that wipe away deposits on the surface of the guide 40 at positions corresponding to the infrared irradiation units 110. In this embodiment, one light source wiper 146 is disposed at a position corresponding to each infrared irradiation unit 110. More specifically, the light source wipers 146 are disposed at the four corners of the camera device 1 when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0064] Like the lens wiper 145, the light source wiper 146 also has a shaft 146a, an arm 146b, and a wiper portion 146c, as shown in FIG. 2 and other figures. The shaft 146a of the light source wiper 146 is connected to the link mechanism 144 through a through hole 42b formed in the first guide portion 42. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a recess 91b is formed on one surface of the bottom portion 91 of the lens fixing portion 90 facing the guide 40 at a position corresponding to the shaft 146a, and the shaft 146a is fitted into this recess 91b. Furthermore, the tip of the shaft 146a protrudes outside the guide 40 through a through hole 43a formed in the second guide portion 43, and an arm 145b and a wiper portion 146c are attached to this protruding portion. When the light source wiper 146 is swung based on motor rotation, it removes foreign matter from the surface of the guide 40 at a position corresponding to the infrared irradiation portion 110. The camera device 1 of this embodiment is configured as described above.

[0065] (Camera device operation) Next, the operation of the camera device 1 and camera system configured as described above will be explained. When the camera device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, it is used to capture images to grasp the situation around the vehicle. For example, the camera device 1 operates while the vehicle is traveling or during vehicle parking assistance, and during these periods, images are captured by the imager 60.

[0066] Specifically, the ECU 71 provided on the imager board 70 controls image capture by the imager 60 based on instructions from the external ECU 200, and the image data captured by the camera device 1 is output to the external ECU 200 via the terminal 15. The external ECU 200 then analyzes the image data.

[0067] At this time, in a situation where the surroundings of the camera device 1 are bright, such as in the daytime, the image data has sufficient brightness, so the image is captured by the imager 60 without the infrared irradiating section 110 emitting light.

[0068] Furthermore, in situations where the surroundings of the camera device 1 are dark, such as at night, the image data does not have sufficient brightness. For this reason, the image data captured by the camera device 1 is analyzed by the external ECU 200, and if the image data does not have sufficient brightness, the external ECU 200 issues a command to the ECU 71 of the imager board 70 to cause the infrared irradiation unit 110 to emit light. Then, the imager 60 captures an image by receiving the infrared light reflected by objects present around the camera device 1. This allows clear image data to be obtained even at night.

[0069] Furthermore, the external ECU 200 analyzes the image data captured by the camera device 1 to detect any adhesions, such as raindrops, on the lens 80. When adhesions are detected, the external ECU 200 issues a wiper drive command to the ECU 71 of the imager board 70, which activates the lens wiper 145 and wipes the surface of the lens 80. This removes any adhesions on the surface of the lens 80, making it possible to acquire clear image data over a long period of time. At the same time, the light source wiper 146 also operates, and the surface of the guide 40 at a position corresponding to the position of the infrared irradiation unit 110 is also wiped by the light source wiper 146. Therefore, even if any adhesions exist in this location, they can be removed at the same time, allowing the infrared irradiation unit 110 to perform infrared irradiation properly, and enabling good nighttime imaging.

[0070] Furthermore, when lens wiper 145 is in the standby position, arm 145b and wiper portion 145c are positioned on the surface of lens 80, partially blocking light from entering lens 80. In this way, even when lens wiper 145 is in the standby position, it is possible to reduce the amount of peripheral light around the position by positioning it in a position that partially reduces light from entering lens 80. For this reason, even without providing a separate device for detecting the current position of lens wiper 145, it is possible to determine the current position from image data, and it is possible to accurately control the position of lens wiper 145 based on the determined current position.

[0071] (Actions and Effects of Camera Device 1) In the camera device 1 of the present disclosure described above, the wiper portion 145c of the lens wiper 145 is disposed on the front surface of the lens 80, enabling the exposed surface of the lens 80 to be wiped. Therefore, the lens wiper 145 can smooth out deposits, such as raindrops, and remove dirt from the surface of the lens 80. Even when the lens wiper 145 is in a standby state, the arm 145b and the wiper portion 145c are positioned to block light from entering the lens 80 and are positioned above the exposed surface of the lens 80. Therefore, when the wiper portion 145c wipes the surface of the lens 80, it does not cross the boundary between the lens 80 and the lens fixing portion 90, allowing the surface of the lens 80 to be accurately wiped. Furthermore, because no cover glass is provided on the front surfaces of the lens 80 and the lens fixing portion 90 to make the surfaces flush, the device can be kept small and costs can be reduced. Therefore, the camera device 1 can be made to be capable of accurately wiping off any deposits on the surface of the lens 80 while preventing the device from becoming too large.

[0072] Furthermore, the camera device 1 of the present disclosure also provides the following effects.

[0073] (1) Even when lens wiper 145 is in a standby state where it is not driven, arm 145b and wiper portion 145c are positioned on the surface of lens 80, partially blocking light from entering lens 80. This reduces the amount of peripheral light around the area where lens wiper 145 is located. Therefore, even without providing a separate device for detecting the current position of lens wiper 145, the current position can be determined from image data, and the position of lens wiper 145 can be accurately controlled based on the determined current position.

[0074] (2) The lens wipers 145 are arranged in pairs, facing each other at a distance along the longitudinal direction of the imager 60. By aligning the direction in which the lens wipers 145 are arranged with the longitudinal direction of the imager 60 in this way, it becomes possible for the lens wipers 145 to wipe a wide area within the imaging range of the imager 60.

[0075] (3) The lens wiper 145 is driven by a motor, and the motor 141, gear box 142, and drive shaft 143 are arranged in the Z-axis direction, that is, in the direction in which the lens 80 and optical component 100 are aligned. This allows the size of the motor drive system and the size of the camera device 1 to be reduced.

[0076] (4) The housing space 180 that houses the motor 141 and the gearbox 142 is connected to the through-hole 111. This allows the camera device 1 to be more compact than if these were formed separately. Note that the through-hole 111 is used here as a passage for passing the current-carrying wiring 110a of the infrared irradiation unit 110, but if other accessories that require current are arranged closer to the tip 2 than the lens barrel 50, a through-hole may be formed through which the current-carrying wiring for the accessories passes. Connecting the housing space 180 to this through-hole allows the camera device 1 to be more compact. Of course, the same applies when the current-carrying wiring for multiple types of accessories is passed through the same through-hole.

[0077] (5) In addition to the lens wiper 145, a light source wiper 146 is also provided, so that any deposits on the surface of the guide 40 at the position corresponding to the infrared irradiation unit 110 can be wiped off. This makes it possible to prevent the acquired image data from having insufficient light intensity due to diffuse reflection of light caused by deposits.

[0078] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it is provided with a wiper cover that protects the lens wiper 145 and the light source wiper 146, but is otherwise similar to the first embodiment, so only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0079] 8 to 13, in this embodiment, a wiper cover 150 is provided closer to the tip 2 than the lens wiper 145 and the light source wiper 146. In other words, the wiper cover 150 is provided on the opposite side of the lens 80 across the lens wiper 145, and on the opposite side of the guide 40 across the light source wiper 146. The wiper cover 150 protects the lens wiper 145 and the light source wiper 146. The wiper cover 150 has a configuration including a frame 151 and a cap 152.

[0080] In this embodiment, the frame 151 is formed of a plate-like member having a rectangular outer shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 13 , the frame 151 has a first opening 151a formed in a position corresponding to the movable range of the lens wiper 145, and shaft holes 151b formed on both sides of the first opening 151a in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the first opening 151a and the shaft holes 151b are connected by a notch 151c. The first opening 151a has a diamond shape with the longer of two orthogonal diagonals aligned along the X-axis direction and the shorter of the diagonals aligned along the Y-axis direction. The diamond shape is formed by combining the two fan-shaped movable ranges of the pair of lens wipers 145. The dimensions of the first opening 151a are set wider than the imaging range of the imager 60 to prevent the imaging range from being covered by the frame 151. The shaft hole 151b is formed at a position corresponding to the shaft 145a of the lens wiper 145, and is a circular hole through which the shaft 145a is inserted. The notch 151c is formed to widen the size of the gap where the first opening 151a and the shaft hole 151b are connected.

[0081] The frame 151 is also formed with second openings 151d at four locations corresponding to the four light source wipers 146, and with shaft holes 151e formed in the second openings 151d toward the center of the lens 80. Furthermore, the lens 80 and the shaft holes 151e are connected by notches 151f. The second openings 151d are fan-shaped to match the movable range of each light source wiper 146. The center of the fan shape faces the center of the lens 80, and each arc portion faces the four corners of the frame 151. The shaft holes 151e are formed at positions corresponding to the shafts 146a of the light source wipers 146, and are circular holes through which the shafts 146a are inserted. The notches 151f are formed to widen the gap where the second openings 151d and the shaft holes 151e are connected.

[0082] 10 and 13, in this embodiment, the outer edge of the second guide part 43 is formed as a recess 43b that is recessed more than the inner part. Meanwhile, a portion corresponding to the recess 43b protrudes from the outer edge of the frame 151 on the second guide part 43 side, and a flange part 151h protruding in the XY plane direction is formed at the tip of the frame 151. This flange part 151h is attached to the head 30 by being inserted into the rear end 3 side of the protrusion part 33 formed on the front end 2 side of the head 30.

[0083] Cap 152 is disposed closer to tip 2 than frame 151 and has an annular shape. Window hole 152a of cap 152 is circular and sized to correspond to lens 80, and first opening 151a is exposed through window hole 152a. The width of cap 152 and window hole 152a are sized so that cap 152 can cover shaft 145a of lens wiper 145 and shaft 146a of light source wiper 146. As shown in FIG. 12 , an engagement protrusion 152b protruding toward rear end 3 is formed on one surface of cap 152 facing frame 151, and engagement protrusion 152b is fitted into shaft hole 151b, thereby integrating cap 152 with frame 151.

[0084] Although not shown, the engagement protrusion 152b is not formed at least at a position corresponding to the notch 151c, and is shaped so as not to affect the operation of the lens wiper 145.

[0085] 13, a drain hole 151g is formed in the frame 151 at a position adjacent to the first opening 151a, and a drain hole 152c is also formed in the cap 152 at a position away from the window hole 152a. These drain holes 151g and 152c are formed in positions corresponding to the position of the lens 80 toward the ground when the camera device 1 is mounted on a vehicle. The drain holes 151g and 152c are formed in corresponding positions, and are connected when the cap 152 is attached to the frame 151, thereby providing communication between the gap between the lens 80 and the frame 151 and the area outside the cap 152.

[0086] In the camera device 1 configured in this manner, the lens wiper 145 is disposed inside the frame 151, and although the wiper portion 145c is exposed from the first opening 151a when activated, the shaft 145a and the like are partially covered and hidden by the frame 151. In addition, in the Z-axis direction, the surface of the cap 152 is located closest to the leading end 2, and the lens wiper 145 is located further towards the rear end 3. For this reason, when an external collision or contact with something external occurs, force is less likely to be applied to the wiper portion 145c, and damage to the wiper portion 145c can be prevented.

[0087] 9, lens wiper 145 can be stopped at a position along the side of first opening 151a. This allows at least a portion of wiper portion 145c of lens wiper 145 to be stored between frame 151 and lens 80. This reduces the risk of lens wiper 145 being tampered with or coming into contact with something external to camera device 1, and makes it possible to prevent damage to lens wiper 145. Furthermore, by stopping light source wiper 146 at a position along the side of second opening 151d during standby, light source wiper 146 can be stored between frame 151 and guide 40, thereby achieving the same effect as above.

[0088] Furthermore, since notch 151c is provided between first opening 151a and shaft hole 151b, arm 145b and wiper portion 145c of lens wiper 145 can be easily replaced through notch 151c. Similarly, since notch 151f is provided between second opening 151d and shaft hole 151e, arm 146b and wiper portion 146c of light source wiper 146 can be easily replaced through notch 151f.

[0089] For example, if clear image data cannot be obtained despite the wiper operation, the external ECU 200 may determine based on image analysis that the lens wiper 145 or the light source wiper 146 should be replaced, and the replacement mode may be set. Then, as shown in FIG. 14 , the standby position is changed from the standby position for the standby state to the standby position for the replacement mode, and the arm 145b and the wiper portion 145c are positioned near the center of the convex surface of the lens 80. To prevent interference between the lens wipers 145, the lengths of the arm 145b and the wiper portion 145c are preferably set so that the tip of the wiper portion 145c reaches the center of the lens 80. However, they can be set longer to wipe a wider area. In this case, it is preferable to offset the tip of the wiper portion 145c in the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 14 . When the cap 152 is removed in this state, the arm 145b and the wiper portion 145c are positioned within the notch 151c. Therefore, the arm 145b and the wiper portion 145c can be easily attached and detached through the notch 151c, and can be replaced with new ones.

[0090] Similarly, when the replacement mode is set, the arm 146b and the wiper portion 146c are placed in the notch 151f to assume a standby position. This allows the arm 146b and the wiper portion 146c of the light source wiper 146 to be easily removed through the notch 151f and replaced with new ones.

[0091] On the other hand, when not in the replacement mode, for example during normal operation, arm 145b and wiper portion 145c are located in a different position from notch 151c, and arm 146b and wiper portion 146c are also located in a different position from notch 151f. This makes it possible to prevent these from falling off due to an unexpected external force and also makes it possible to prevent tampering.

[0092] Furthermore, the wiper cover 150 is provided with drain holes 151g formed in the frame 151 and drain holes 152c formed in the cap 152, so that even if water gets inside the wiper cover 150, it can be drained.

[0093] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This embodiment is the same as the second embodiment except that the guide 40, the infrared irradiation unit 110, the light source wiper 146, etc. are omitted. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 19 , the camera device 1 of this embodiment does not include an infrared irradiation unit 110 or a light source wiper 146. Therefore, the head 30 is cylindrical and is attached by fitting the head 30 into the lens fixing unit 90. The head 30 has a surface 35 on the tip 2 side. A link mechanism 144 is disposed in a gap 36 between the surface 35 and the lens fixing unit 90. A shaft 145a is inserted into a through-hole 35a formed in the surface 35. The inner wall surface of the head 30 and the outer periphery of the lens fixing unit 90 are disposed so as to abut or face each other with a slight gap. An annular groove 98 is formed in the outer periphery of the lens fixing unit 90 at a portion that overlaps with the inner wall surface of the head 30, and an O-ring 99 is fitted into the groove 98. The O-ring 99 abuts against the inner wall surface of the head 30, providing a seal between the head 30 and the lens fixing unit 90.

[0095] Furthermore, a wiper cover 150 is attached directly to the head 30, eliminating the guide 40. Specifically, a frame 151 is attached directly to one annular surface on the tip 2 side of the head 30, and a cap 152 is attached to the frame 151. The frame 151 is in the shape of a circular plate, and a first opening 151a, a shaft hole 151b, a notch 151c, and a drain hole 151g are formed on the inside. The structure of the cap 152 is the same as in the second embodiment. The frame 151 may be attached to the head 30 by any method, and may be attached with an adhesive, or a circular protrusion may be provided on the outer edge of the frame 151 so that it is fitted into the head 30.

[0096] Since the guide 40 is eliminated and the wiper cover 150 is attached directly to the head 30, an O-ring 37 is provided between the inner wall surface of the head 30 and the tip of the lens barrel 50 to provide a seal between them.

[0097] In this way, the guide 40, the infrared irradiation unit 110, and the light source wiper 146 may be eliminated, and a wiper cover 150 may be attached to the head 30. Even with this configuration, the same effects as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0098] (Other embodiments) Although the present disclosure has been described based on the above-described embodiment, it is not limited to the embodiment and encompasses various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0099] (1) For example, in each of the above embodiments, the camera device 1 is given as an example of an imaging device, but the present disclosure can also be applied to imaging devices such as a stereo camera in a LiDAR.

[0100] (2) In the above embodiments, the camera device 1 corresponding to the imaging device has been described as being mounted on a vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to such a device. However, since there is a demand for miniaturization of imaging devices mounted on vehicles, applying the wiper device 140 configured as in the present embodiment is preferable because it contributes to further miniaturization.

[0101] (3) In the first and second embodiments, the head 30 is rectangular tubular and includes the light source wiper 146, while in the third embodiment, the head 30 is cylindrical and does not include the light source wiper 146. However, the shape of the head 30 and the presence or absence of the light source wiper 146 do not necessarily have to have this relationship. For example, the head 30 may be rectangular tubular but may not include the light source wiper 146. Furthermore, when the head 30 is rectangular tubular as in the second embodiment, the guide 40 may be eliminated, or when the head 30 is cylindrical as in the third embodiment, the guide 40 may be included.

[0102] (4) In the above embodiments, the lens wiper 145 has a structure including the arm 145b and the wiper portion 145c including the blade and wiper rubber, but the arm and the blade may be integrated into one unit. Of course, the same applies to the light source wiper 146.

[0103] (5) In the above embodiments, the infrared irradiating unit 110 irradiates infrared light as a light source. However, the light source may be a light source that irradiates light other than infrared light, such as visible light.

[0104] (6) In each of the above embodiments, image analysis is performed by the external ECU 200 provided outside the camera device 1, and the wiper device 140 is driven based on the image analysis. However, this may be performed by the ECU 71 of the camera device 1. Also, although the camera device 1 is configured to include the ECU 71, it may not be configured to include the ECU 71. In this case, various elements provided on the imager board 70 are controlled based on control signals from the external ECU 200, and the imager 60 and the wiper device 140 are controlled.

[0105] (7) The above embodiments are not unrelated to each other and can be combined as appropriate unless the combination is clearly impossible. It goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments in the above embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are specifically stated as essential or are clearly considered essential in principle. In the above embodiments, when the numbers, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of the components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers unless they are specifically stated as essential or are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. In the above embodiments, when the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the components are mentioned, they are not limited to the shapes, positional relationships, etc. unless they are specifically stated or are clearly limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

[0106] (Aspects of the present disclosure) The present disclosure described above can be understood from the following viewpoints, for example. [First viewpoint] An imaging device, A storage container (10-30), a lens (80) that is accommodated in the container, one surface of which is exposed to the outside of the container as an exposed surface, and that takes in external light; an imager (60) disposed inside the container relative to the lens and capturing an image of the outside based on light captured by the lens; an imager board (70) that is disposed inside the container relative to the lens and controls the imager; a wiper device (140) including a lens wiper (145) for wiping the exposed surface of the lens; The lens wiper includes a wiper portion (145c) having a wiper rubber and a wiper blade, and the wiper portion is positioned on the exposed surface of the lens in a standby state in which the driving of the wiper device is stopped, and partially blocks light from entering the lens. [Second viewpoint] The imager has a rectangular shape with one direction as a longitudinal direction, The imaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the lens wipers are a pair, and the two are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the imager. [Third Perspective] The wiper device is driven by a motor (141), and includes the motor, a gearbox (142) that attenuates the rotation of the motor to generate a desired torque, and a drive shaft (143) that serves as the output of the gearbox. The lens wiper is driven based on the rotation of the drive shaft, The imaging device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the motor, the gearbox, and the drive shaft are arranged side by side along the optical axis of the lens. [Fourth viewpoint] a lens barrel (50) disposed between the lens and the imager and the imager substrate, and constituting a path for guiding light captured by the lens to the imager; a lens fixing portion (90) configured as a separate member from the lens barrel and fixing the lens to the lens barrel; The imaging device according to a third aspect, wherein the lens fixing portion is formed with a through hole (97) through which the drive shaft is inserted. [Fifth viewpoint] A male screw groove (56) is formed at the tip of the lens barrel on the side where the lens fixing part is located, The lens fixing portion is formed with a female screw groove (94) corresponding to the male screw groove, the male screw groove and the female screw groove are fastened together, whereby the lens is clamped between the lens fixing portion and the lens barrel; The imaging device according to a fourth aspect further comprises a gasket (170) for adjusting the groove positions of the male screw groove and the female screw groove in the rotational direction, disposed between the lens fixing portion and the lens. [Sixth viewpoint] The imaging device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a wiper cover (150) that covers at least a part of the lens wiper on the opposite side of the lens wiper from the lens. [Seventh viewpoint] The wiper cover has a frame (151) in which an opening (151a) is formed to expose the wiper portion of the lens wiper and the lens, The imaging device according to a sixth aspect, wherein in the standby state, at least a part of the wiper portion is stored between the frame and the lens. [Eighth viewpoint] The lens wiper has a shaft (145a) that serves as a rotation center of the wiper portion, In addition to the opening, the frame is formed with a shaft hole (151b) for exposing the shaft, and a notch (151c) provided between the opening and the shaft hole, The imaging device according to a seventh aspect, wherein the wiper portion is detachable when the lens wiper is positioned in the notch. [Ninth viewpoint] The imaging device according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the frame is formed with a drain hole (151g) that connects a gap between the frame and the lens to the outside of the frame. [10th viewpoint] an auxiliary device (110) that is energized by a current-carrying wiring (110a) drawn from the imager board to the lens side; The wiper device is driven by a motor (141), The imaging device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein a storage space (180) in which the motor is disposed and a wiring passage (111) in which the current-carrying wiring is disposed are formed within the storage container, and the storage space and the wiring passage are connected to each other. [11th viewpoint] a light source (110) accommodated in the container around the lens, emitting light toward the outside of the container, and reflecting the light off an object outside the container so that the light is taken in by the lens; a guide (40) that is arranged on one surface of the container on the side where the lens is arranged, covers the light source, and transmits the light; The imaging device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the wiper device includes, in addition to the lens wiper, a light source wiper (146) that wipes the portion of the guide that covers the light source. [12th viewpoint] An imaging device as described in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein when an attachment is detected on the exposed surface of the lens based on the image capture results from the imager, the wiper device is automatically activated to wipe the exposed surface of the lens with the lens wiper. [13th viewpoint] The imaging device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, which is an in-vehicle camera device mounted on a vehicle (4). [14th viewpoint] The imaging device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein, in a normal orientation when the device is installed, the pair of lens wipers are aligned horizontally. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...camera device, 10...cover, 15...terminal, 20...case, 30...head, 40...guide, 42...first guide portion, 43...second guide portion, 44...space, 50...lens barrel, 60...imager, 70...imager board, 71...ECU, 80...lens, 90...lens fixing portion, 97...through hole, 100...optical component, 110...infrared irradiation portion, 110a...power supply wiring, 111...through hole, 120...LED board, 130...rubber packing, 140 ...Wiper device, 141...motor, 142...gearbox, 143...drive shaft, 144...link mechanism, 145...lens wiper, 146...light source wiper, 150...wiper cover, 151...frame, 151a...first opening, 151b...shaft hole, 151c...notch, 151g...drain hole, 152...cap, 152a...window hole, 152c...drain hole, 160...ground spring, 170...gasket, 180...accommodating space, 200...ECU

Claims

1. An imaging device, A storage container (10 to 30); a lens (80) that is accommodated in the accommodation container, one surface of which is exposed to the outside of the accommodation container as an exposed surface, and that takes in the outside light; an imager (60) disposed inside the container relative to the lens and capturing an image of the outside based on light captured by the lens; an imager board (70) that is disposed inside the container relative to the lens and controls the imager; a wiper device (140) including a lens wiper (145) for wiping the exposed surface of the lens; The lens wiper includes a wiper portion (145c) having a wiper rubber and a wiper blade, and the wiper portion is positioned on the exposed surface of the lens in a standby state in which the wiper device is stopped from driving, thereby partially blocking light from entering the lens.

2. The imager has a rectangular shape with one direction as a longitudinal direction, The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the lens wipers are a pair, and the two wipers are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the imager.

3. The wiper device is driven by a motor (141), and includes the motor, a gearbox (142) that attenuates the rotation of the motor to generate a desired torque, and a drive shaft (143) that serves as the output of the gearbox. The lens wiper is driven based on the rotation of the drive shaft, The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the motor, the gearbox, and the drive shaft are arranged side by side along the optical axis of the lens.

4. a lens barrel (50) disposed between the lens and the imager and the imager substrate, and constituting a path for guiding light captured by the lens to the imager; a lens fixing portion (90) configured as a separate member from the lens barrel and fixing the lens to the lens barrel; The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the lens fixing portion is formed with a through-hole (97) through which the drive shaft is inserted.

5. A male screw groove (56) is formed at the tip of the lens barrel on the side where the lens fixing part is located, The lens fixing portion is formed with a female screw groove (94) corresponding to the male screw groove, the male screw groove and the female screw groove are fastened together, whereby the lens is clamped between the lens fixing portion and the lens barrel; 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, further comprising a gasket (170) disposed between the lens fixing portion and the lens for adjusting groove positions of the male screw groove and the female screw groove in the rotational direction.

6. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a wiper cover (150) that covers at least a portion of the lens wiper on the opposite side of the lens wiper from the lens.

7. The wiper cover has a frame (151) in which an opening (151a) is formed to expose the wiper portion of the lens wiper and the lens, The imaging device according to claim 6 , wherein in the standby state, at least a part of the wiper portion is stored between the frame and the lens.

8. The lens wiper has a shaft (145a) that serves as a rotation center of the wiper portion, In addition to the opening, the frame is formed with a shaft hole (151b) for exposing the shaft, and a notch (151c) provided between the opening and the shaft hole, The imaging device according to claim 7 , wherein the wiper portion is detachable when the lens wiper is positioned in the notch.

9. 9. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the frame is formed with a drain hole (151g) that connects a gap between the frame and the lens to an outside of the frame.

10. an auxiliary device (110) that is energized by a current-carrying wiring (110a) drawn from the imager board to the lens side; The wiper device is driven by a motor (141), 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the housing container has formed therein a housing space (180) in which the motor is disposed and a wiring passage (111) in which the current-carrying wiring is disposed, and the housing space and the wiring passage are connected to each other.

11. a light source (110) accommodated in the container around the lens, emitting light toward the outside of the container, and reflecting the light off an object outside the container so that the light is taken in by the lens; a guide (40) that is arranged on one surface of the container on the side where the lens is arranged, covers the light source, and transmits the light; 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the wiper device includes, in addition to the lens wiper, a light source wiper (146) that wipes a portion of the guide that covers the light source.

12. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein when an attachment is detected on the exposed surface of the lens based on the image capturing results of the imager, the wiper device is automatically activated to wipe the exposed surface of the lens with the lens wiper.

13. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is an in-vehicle camera device mounted on a vehicle.

14. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of lens wipers are arranged horizontally when the device is installed in a normal position.

Images