Imaging device

Abstract

To provide an imaging device capable of acquiring accurate image data by physically blocking incoming light that may cause whiteout or blackening.SOLUTION: In a camera device 1 that collects light of the outside of a storage container through a lens 80 and performs imaging of the outside on the basis of the light collected from the lens 80 with an imager 60, a sun visor 145 is arranged in front of the lens 80 so as to partially block incoming light to 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] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging system that includes a forward-viewing camera mounted on a vehicle and a member that covers the front of the camera, such as a blade for wiping the surface of the front windshield, and a vehicle window used therewith. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-166964 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Systems using cameras are now required to be highly robust so that they can support the transition from driver assistance to more advanced autonomous driving. Cameras have a narrower dynamic range than the human eye, and when direct sunlight or light from oncoming headlights enters the image, the brightness of the captured image reaches the upper limit of the image processing capability, resulting in overexposure and saturation, or exposure compensation causes crushed shadows in dark areas.

[0005] One way to prevent this is to use a blade to wipe the surface of the front windshield that covers the front of the camera, thereby partially blocking the image capture range, as in Patent Document 1. However, the blade in the image capture system in Patent Document 1 is used as a wiper and does not have the function of intentionally blocking light, so it is not possible to prevent overexposure and underexposure, and accurate image data cannot be obtained.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an imaging device that can acquire accurate image data by physically blocking incident light that causes overexposure and underexposure. [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) accommodated in the container and adapted to take in light from outside the container from one side; 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; and a sun visor device (140) including a sun visor (145) arranged in front of one surface of the lens and partially blocking light from entering the lens.

[0008] In this way, the sun visor is placed in front of the lens, partially blocking the exposed surface of the lens. Therefore, the sun visor can suppress light from entering the lens, even if it is sunlight or light from oncoming vehicles. This physically blocks the incoming light that causes overexposure and underexposure, providing an imaging device that can acquire accurate image data.

[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] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the sun visor when deployed and when retracted. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state of the sun visor when it is in a standby state, when it is shaded, and when it is stored. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the focus of expansion (hereinafter referred to as FOE) of an imager and the horizon. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the FOE in image data of an imager, the position of the horizon, and the position of a sun visor. 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 lens barrel 50, an imager 60, an imager board 70, a lens 80, a lens fixing portion 90, optical components 100, a sun visor device 140, a sun visor cover 150, etc.

[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 head 30 is disposed. 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 outside 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 barrel 50 and part of optical component 100 within hollow portion 21. The inner wall of case 20 and the outer peripheral surface of barrel 50 are tightly attached with an adhesive or the like to seal the space between them.

[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] Although not shown, a recess extending along the Z axis is formed in part of the inner wall of the case 20. This recess accommodates part of a motor 141 (described later) and other components provided in the sun visor device 140.

[0020] The head 30 constitutes part of the storage container of the camera device 1, and has a circular outer shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction, and is a generally cylindrical shape with a hollow portion 31 that penetrates 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 part of the lens barrel 50, part of the optical component 100, the lens 80, the lens fixing portion 90, part of the sun visor device 140, etc. within the hollow portion 31. The head 30 is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the lens fixing portion 90.

[0021] The hollow portion 31 of the head 30 is aligned with the outer shape of the lens fixing portion 90. The head 30 is attached by fitting it into the lens fixing portion 90. The diameter of the head 30 on the tip 2 side is reduced, and a circular opening 32 is formed in the center. A gap 36 is formed between the lens fixing portion 90 and one surface 35 of the head 30 on the tip 2 side where the opening 32 is formed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 , one through-hole 35a is formed on each side of the one surface 35, sandwiching the hollow portion 31 therebetween.

[0022] 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 the head 30 and the lens barrel 50 .

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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, the optical component 100 is disposed along the Z axis within the hollow portion 51 of the lens barrel 50 and is 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 component 100 is 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 6, a semi-cylindrical recess 57 extending along the Z axis is formed in part of the outer wall of the lens barrel 50. This recess 57 is connected to a recess in the case 20, and houses part of a motor 141 (described later) and other components provided in the sun visor device 140.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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. 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.

[0030] 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 sun visor 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.

[0031] 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, lens 80 is configured as a convex lens whose center is convex toward tip 2 relative to the outer edge, and is disposed 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 32 of head 30 and opening 92 (described later) of lens fixing part 90, and takes in light outside camera device 1.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 6, a through-hole 97 that connects the lens 80 side with the lens barrel 50 side is formed in the bottom 91 of the lens fixing part 90. A drive shaft 143 of the sun visor device 140, which will be described later, is inserted into this through-hole 97.

[0036] The outer periphery of the lens fixing part 90 and the inner wall surface of the head 30 are arranged to abut or face each other with a small gap between them. An annular groove 98 is formed in the outer periphery of the lens fixing part 90 at a portion that overlaps with the inner wall surface of the head 30, and an O-ring 99 is fitted into this groove 98. This O-ring 99 abuts against the inner wall surface of the head 30, providing a seal between the head 30 and the lens fixing part 90.

[0037] 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.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the sun visor device 140 includes a motor 141, a gear box 142, a drive shaft 143, a link mechanism 144, a sun visor 145, and the like.

[0039] The motor 141 is the power source for the sun visor 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 current supplied to the motor 141, and the motor 141 increases or decreases its rotation speed in response to an increase or decrease in the amount of current 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 aligned 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. The motor 141, together with the gearbox 142, is housed in a housing space 180 formed by the recess 57 of the lens barrel 50 and a recess (not shown) of the case 20.

[0040] Any type of motor can be used for the motor 141, but here a DC motor is used. As the motor 141, a type that can detect the rotation angle and control the drive can also be used, but as the position of the sun visor 145 can be monitored by image analysis as described below, it is not necessary to detect the rotation angle of the motor 141. For this reason, as the motor 141, a DC motor that is inexpensive and capable of high-speed operation is used.

[0041] 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 .

[0042] 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.

[0043] The link mechanism 144 is connected to the sun visors 145 and drives the sun visors 145 based on the driving force transmitted from the drive shaft 143. The link mechanism 144 is disposed in the gap 36 between the head 30 and the lens fixing portion 90, and is connected to all of the plurality of sun visors 145. The link mechanism 144 may have any structure, but in this embodiment, it is U-shaped and passes below the lens 80 and is connected to each of the pair of sun visors 145. The drive shaft 143 is connected to a location of the link mechanism 144 corresponding to the through-hole 97, and the driving force is transmitted to the link mechanism 144. When the motor 141 is driven and the driving force is transmitted to the link mechanism 144, each sun visor 145 is driven.

[0044] The sun visors 145 constitute a light-blocking portion that partially blocks light from entering the lens 80, and are arranged in a vertically central region that is an area near the vertical center of the lens 80. If the short side direction of the imager 60 is considered to be the vertical direction, this position corresponds to the vertical center of the imager 60. In this embodiment, the sun visors 145 are arranged as a pair, one on each side of the center of the lens 80 and positioned apart from each other. As shown in FIG. 7, each sun visor 145 has a shaft 145a, a blade 145b, a shield portion 145c, and a spring portion 145d, and has a fan structure that can be switched between two forms: deployed and retracted.

[0045] The shaft 145a is the rotation center of the sun visor 145, and is positioned within the vertical center region of the lens 80. The shaft 145a is disposed in a through hole 35a formed in one surface 35 of the head 30 shown in FIG. 6. A rear end 3 of the shaft 145a is connected to the link mechanism 144 through the through hole 35a, and a front end 2 of the shaft 145a protrudes outward from the head 30. A blade 145b and a shield part 145c are attached to this protruding portion. As shown in FIG. 6, a recess 91a is formed in one surface of the bottom part 91 of the lens fixing part 90 on the front end 2 side at a position corresponding to the shaft 145a, and the shaft 145a is fitted into this recess 91a.

[0046] Blade 145b is formed of a rod-like member, and in this embodiment, is a long, thin, approximately rectangular flat plate with one longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. One end of blade 145b is connected to shaft 145a, which serves as the center of rotation, allowing it to swing within the exposed surface of lens 80. Shield portion 145c is also connected to the same end. When link mechanism 144 is driven based on motor rotation, blade 145b and shield portion 145c swing around shaft 145a, and one or both of them partially block light entering lens 80.

[0047] The shield portion 145c is a member for blocking light from entering the lens 80 and is connected to the blade 145b so as to move integrally therewith. In this embodiment, the shield portion 145c is a plate-like member disposed on top of the blade 145b. It is a long, thin, approximately rectangular flat plate with one longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is configured to be displaceable relative to the blade 145b. The shield portion 145c may be made of any material as long as it has the function of blocking light from entering the lens 80. For example, the shield portion 145c is made of a material that partially attenuates and transmits light, such as a light-shielding film. Here, the shape of the shield portion 145c is matched to the shape of the blade 145b and has approximately the same dimensions. The shield portion 145c is displaceable by rotating relative to the blade 145b around the shaft 145a as the center of rotation, and can be repositioned between a configuration in which the sun visor 145 is deployed and a configuration in which it is retracted, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0048] In this embodiment, a spring portion 145d formed of a torsion spring or the like is provided between blade 145b and shield portion 145c, a pin 145e is provided on blade 145b, and a stopper 145f and a guide hole 145g are provided on shield portion 145c. Specifically, one end of spring portion 145d is attached to one side surface in the short direction of blade 145b, and the other end is fixed to stopper 145f provided on one side surface in the short direction of shield portion 145c. In addition, a pin 145e provided on one surface of blade 145b slides along guide hole 145g formed in shield portion 145c.

[0049] With this configuration, when no force other than that from spring portion 145d is applied to shield portion 145c, the elastic force of spring portion 145d acts in a direction that opens the spring, causing sun visor 145 to assume the fan-like unfolded state as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, when force is applied to shield portion 145c from below, shield portion 145c slides against the elastic force of spring portion 145d, causing shield portion 145c to overlap blade 145b as shown in Figure 7 when stored, causing sun visor 145 to assume the fan-like closed state. In this way, the position of shield portion 145c can be changed.

[0050] 7 shows the pair of sun visors 145 on the right side in FIG. 2, but the other sun visor 145 has a structure that is bilaterally symmetrical to that shown in FIG. 7. That is, both of the pair of sun visors 145 have a structure in which the shield portion 145c slides downward relative to the blade 145b to assume an extended configuration, and the shield portion 145c slides upward to assume a stored configuration.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the sun visors 145 are arranged one on each side of the center of the lens 80, at separate positions. More specifically, the pair of sun visors 145 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line along the Y axis that passes through the center of the lens 80. The direction in which the pair of sun visors 145 are lined up is the X-axis direction, which coincides with the longitudinal direction of the rectangular imager 60 as shown in FIG. 6, and this direction is aligned with the horizontal direction when the imager 60 is mounted on a vehicle.

[0052] The longitudinal direction of the imager 60 is the direction in which the shooting range becomes wider. On the other hand, the direction in which the two sun visors 145 are aligned is the direction in which light can be blocked over a wider range. Therefore, by aligning these directions, it is possible to block light from a desired portion of the shooting range of the imager 60.

[0053] The sun visor cover 150 is provided closer to the tip 2 than the sun visor 145. In other words, the sun visor cover 150 is provided on the opposite side of the lens 80 across the sun visor 145. The sun visor cover 150 protects the sun visor 145. The sun visor cover 150 is configured to have a frame 151 and a cap 152, and is attached directly to the head 30. Specifically, the frame 151 is attached directly to the annular surface 35 on the tip 2 side of the head 30, and the cap 152 is attached to the frame 151. The method of attaching the frame 151 to the head 30 is arbitrary, and the frame 151 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.

[0054] The frame 151 is composed of a plate-like member whose outer shape is circular when viewed from the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the frame 151 has an opening 151a formed at a position corresponding to the movable range of the sun visor 145, and shaft holes 151b formed on both sides of the opening 151a in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the opening 151a and the shaft holes 151b are connected by a notch 151c. The 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 sun visors 145. The dimensions of the 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 sun visor 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 opening 151a and the shaft hole 151b are connected.

[0055] The cap 152 is disposed closer to the tip 2 than the frame 151 and has an annular shape. The window hole 152a of the cap 152 is circular and sized to correspond to the lens 80, and the opening 151a is exposed through the window hole 152a. The width of the cap 152 and the window hole 152a are sized so that the cap 152 can cover the shaft 145a of the sun visor 145. Although not shown, an engagement protrusion that protrudes toward the rear end 3 is formed on one surface of the cap 152 facing the frame 151, and the engagement protrusion fits into the shaft hole 151b, thereby integrating the cap 152 with the frame 151. The engagement protrusion is not formed at least in a position corresponding to the notch 151c, and is shaped so as not to affect the operation of the sun visor 145.

[0056] 6, a drain hole 151g is formed in the frame 151 at a position adjacent to the 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 lower position of the lens 80 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.

[0057] By providing such a sun visor cover 150, the sun visor 145 is arranged inside the frame 151. Therefore, although the blade 145b and the shield portion 145c are exposed from the opening 151a, the shaft 145a and the like are partially covered and hidden by the frame 151. Also, in the Z-axis direction, the surface of the cap 152 is located closest to the tip 2, and the sun visor 145 is located further towards the rear end 3. Therefore, in the event of an external collision or contact with something external, force is less likely to be applied to the blade 145b and the shield portion 145c, preventing them from being damaged. The camera device 1 of this embodiment is configured as described above.

[0058] (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.

[0059] Specifically, an ECU 71 provided on the imager board 70 controls image capture by the imager 60 based on instructions from the external ECU 200, and image data captured by the camera device 1 is output to the external ECU 200 via the terminal 15. The image data is then analyzed in the external ECU 200. The analysis results are used as data for vehicle parking assistance, driving assistance while the vehicle is traveling, and ultimately for recognizing the surrounding conditions for autonomous driving.

[0060] In this case, even if sunlight or light from the headlights of oncoming vehicles enters the vehicle, the sun visor 145 can suppress this light, thereby preventing overexposure and underexposure. However, in order to position the sun visor 145 in a more preferable position, in this embodiment, the external ECU 200 operates the sun visor device 140 as follows based on the analysis results of the image data.

[0061] First, when the vehicle starts traveling and image capture by the imager 60 begins, or when it is not yet necessary to suppress light from entering a specific location based on the image data acquired by the imager 60, the sun visor device 140 places the sun visor 145 in a standby state. That is, the sun visor device 140 moves the sun visor 145 to the standby position in the standby state shown in FIG. 8, specifically, to a position above the lens 80. In the standby position, no force is applied to the shield portion 145c other than that of the spring portion 145d. Therefore, the elastic force of the spring portion 145d acts in a direction that opens the shield portion 145c, and the sun visor 145 assumes an unfolded state as shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, a portion of the shield portion 145c is exposed through the opening 151a, and the upper portion of the lens 80 is covered.

[0062] Furthermore, in the standby position, blade 145b can be stored hidden between frame 151 and lens 80 by aligning it with the side of opening 151a. This leaves only shield portion 145c exposed from opening 151a, preventing unnecessary obstruction of light entering lens 80. In addition, this reduces the risk of tampering with sun visor 145 or of something outside camera device 1 coming into contact with it, making it possible to prevent damage to sun visor 145.

[0063] Next, when blown-out highlights or crushed shadows are detected from the image data, the external ECU 200 automatically activates the sun visor device 140 and moves the sun visor 145 to the location where light restriction is required, for example, the location where blown-out highlights have occurred. As a result, the sun visor 145 is moved to the light-blocking position in FIG. 8, for example, to cover the location where light restriction is required, thereby restricting light from entering the lens 80. This makes it possible to more accurately suppress blown-out highlights and crushed shadows.

[0064] At this time, too, no force other than that from the spring portion 145d is applied to the shield portion 145c, so the sun visor 145 is in the deployed state. For this reason, if light is blocked using a structural component such as the blade 145b, which is configured to be relatively narrow, the light blocking range is limited, but by being able to expand and deploy the shield portion 145c in the rotational direction of the sun visor 145, the light blocking range can be widened. This makes it possible to block light over a wider range.

[0065] Furthermore, a pair of sun visors 145 are disposed facing each other at separate positions along the longitudinal direction of the imager 60. This allows the sun visors 145 to cover a wide area within the shooting range of the imager 60, and even if the area requiring light restriction is wide, most of that area can be made into a light-blocking range. To avoid interference, the pair of sun visors 145 are set to lengths that are half to a little more than half the distance between their respective rotation centers, but even when set to such lengths, it is possible to make the light-blocking range wide.

[0066] Furthermore, if the length of a pair of sun visors 145 were to be a little more than half the distance between their respective rotation centers, they could interfere with each other, so one sun visor 145 is activated at a different timing relative to the other sun visor 145. For example, the light-blocking position in Figure 8 shows a case where the activation timing of the pair of sun visors 145 is different, and the angle that each sun visor 145 forms with respect to the direction in which the sun visors 145 are lined up, i.e., the horizontal direction, is different. This makes it possible to move the pair of sun visors 145 to a location where light entry restriction is required without them colliding, while widening the light-blocking range.

[0067] Of course, even if the pair of sun visors 145 are set to lengths that do not interfere with each other, one sun visor 145 may be activated at a different timing relative to the other sun visor 145. By varying the activation timing in this way and varying the angle that each sun visor 145 makes with respect to the horizontal direction, it becomes possible to accurately block light even when there are multiple different locations where you want to restrict light from entering.

[0068] Furthermore, if the shield portion 145c is made of a material that partially transmits light rather than completely blocking it, even if the light source that causes overexposure is blocked, the position of the light source can be continuously recognized. This makes it possible to track the time history and predictively control the sun visor 145.

[0069] Furthermore, the sun, which is the main object of shading, is above the horizon, and is surrounded by a vast expanse of sky with few recognizable objects. In contrast, the rotation center of the pair of sun visors 145 is located within the vertical center area of ​​the lens 80, so when the sun is shaded by the sun visors 145, only the upper part of the shooting range is shaded. Therefore, the area that is unintentionally shaded can be the sky with few recognizable objects, minimizing the loss of image data.

[0070] Furthermore, when capturing an image with the imager 60 while the vehicle is moving, the resulting image data shows a horizontal line 62 extending in an arc shape with the FOE 61 at the center, as shown in FIG. 9. For example, white lane lines 63 are imaged as lines extending radially from the FOE 61. Therefore, the headlights of oncoming vehicles are often continuous and radially continuous with the FOE 61 at the center. In contrast, when a pair of sun visors 145 are disposed in the vertical center region of the lens 80 and pivot around the shaft 145a, the sun visors 145 can be positioned from the center of rotation toward the FOE 61, as shown in FIG. 10. Therefore, even if multiple headlights from oncoming vehicles are consecutive, they can be blocked by the same sun visor 145.

[0071] When the vehicle stops traveling and the operation of the sun visor 145 is completed, the sun visor 145 enters the storage mode and moves to the storage position shown in FIG. 8, which is the storage configuration, where the sun visor 145 is located below the lens 80. In the storage position, the shield portion 145c abuts against the inner end of the storage section of the frame 151, such as the lower edge of the opening 151a, and a force in the opposite direction to the elastic force of the spring portion 145d is applied to the shield portion 145c. As a result, the shield portion 145c slides against the elastic force of the spring portion 145d, and the shield portion 145c overlaps with the blade 145b, as shown in FIG. 8, and the sun visor 145 is in the folded configuration. This allows the size of the sun visor 145 to be reduced when stored, making it possible to reduce the space required for storage.

[0072] (Actions and Effects of Camera Device 1) In the camera device 1 of the present disclosure described above, a sun visor 145 is disposed in front of the lens 80, and the exposed surface of the lens 80 is partially shaded. Therefore, even if sunlight or light from the headlights of oncoming vehicles enters, the sun visor 145 can suppress this light from entering. This makes it possible to physically block incoming light that causes overexposure and underexposure, and to provide a camera device 1 that can acquire accurate image data.

[0073] Furthermore, the camera device 1 of the present disclosure also provides the following effects.

[0074] (1) The sun visor device 140 is automatically activated when it detects overexposure and underexposure based on image data acquired by the imager 60 and identifies areas where light restriction is required. Therefore, overexposure and underexposure can be suppressed based on image data acquired by the existing imager 60, and problems with the image can be quickly resolved without the need for additional mechanisms.

[0075] Furthermore, even when the sun visor 145 is not driven and is on standby or is stored, the blade 145b and the shield portion 145c are positioned on the surface of the lens 80. Therefore, without providing an additional mechanism, the current position of the sun visor 145 can be determined based on the image data acquired by the imager 60, and the position of the sun visor 145 can be controlled with high precision based on the determined current position.

[0076] (2) The sun visors 145 are provided as a pair and are arranged facing each other at a distance along the longitudinal direction of the imager 60. This allows the sun visors 145 to cover a wide area within the image capture range of the imager 60, and even if the area requiring light restriction is wide, most of the area can be made into a light-blocking range.

[0077] (3) By making the length of the pair of sun visors 145 slightly more than half the distance between their respective rotation centers, it becomes possible to block light over a wider area, and to block light from almost the entire shooting range of the imager 60. In this case, by operating one sun visor 145 at a different timing relative to the other sun visor 145, it becomes possible to move the pair of sun visors 145 to a location where light entry restriction is required without causing them to collide, while still widening the light blocking range.

[0078] (4) By using a material that partially transmits light rather than a material that completely blocks light for the shield portion 145c, even if a light source that causes overexposure is blocked, the position of the light source can be continuously recognized. This makes it possible to track the time history and predictively control the sun visor 145.

[0079] (5) A pair of sun visors 145 are positioned in the vertical center area of ​​the lens 80, and are designed to swing around the shaft 145a as the center of rotation. This allows the sun visors 145 to be positioned from the position of the shaft 145a toward the FOE 61, making it possible to block out the light of multiple oncoming vehicle headlights in succession using the same sun visor 145. Furthermore, when blocking out the sun, only the upper part of the shooting range can be blocked. Therefore, the area that is unintentionally blocked can be the sky with few recognized objects, minimizing the loss of image data.

[0080] (6) The shield portion 145c is attached to the blade 145b, and the shield portion 145c can be expanded and deployed in the rotation direction of the sun visor 145. This allows for a wider range of light blocking.

[0081] (7) The sun visor 145 has a storage mode in which the shield portion 145c is folded. This allows the size of the sun visor 145 to be reduced when stored, thereby reducing the space required for storage.

[0082] (8) The shield portion 145c is configured to be biased by elastic force in a direction away from the blade 145b, and the sun visor 145 is positioned in an upper position facing upward when in standby mode, and in a lower position facing downward when stored. This allows the shield portion 145c to be positioned closer to the center of the lens 80 than the blade 145b when in standby mode, and prevents the blade 145b, which is a structural member that makes it difficult for light to pass through, from narrowing the field of view in the downward direction, where there are many objects to be recognized.

[0083] (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.

[0084] (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.

[0085] (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 sun visor device 140 configured as in the present embodiment is preferable because it contributes to further miniaturization.

[0086] (3) In the above embodiment, the sun visor device 140 can also be provided in a case where a light source such as an infrared irradiation unit is provided around the lens 80, and when it is dark, such as at night, light is irradiated and reflected light is allowed to enter the lens 80 to take a photograph.

[0087] (4) In the above embodiment, the sun visor device 140 can also function as a wiper device. For example, by providing a wiper rubber on the lens 80 side of the blade 145b and swinging the blade 145b around the shaft 145a as the center of rotation, it is possible to wipe off any deposits on the surface of the lens 80. In this case, the blade 145b may not be a single component, but may instead be configured such that an arm is connected to the shaft 145a and the blade 145b is suspended by the arm.

[0088] (5) In the above embodiment, the lens 80 is exposed to the outside, but the structure may be such that the periphery or surface of the lens 80 is covered by a guide such as a cover glass, and the sun visor device 140 may be provided in such a structure.

[0089] (6) In each of the above embodiments, the sun visor 145 is configured to include the blade 145b and the shield portion 145c separately, and the shield portion 145c is configured to slide relative to the blade 145b. However, the shield portion 145c may be configured to be fixed relative to the blade 145b, or the blade 145b itself may function as the shield portion 145c.

[0090] (7) In each of the above embodiments, image analysis is performed by the external ECU 200 provided outside the camera device 1, and the sun visor device 140 is driven based on the image analysis. However, this may be performed by the ECU 71 of the camera device 1. Also, while 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 driving of the imager 60 and the sun visor device 140 is controlled.

[0091] (8) It goes without saying that, in the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are specifically stated as essential or are clearly considered essential in principle. Furthermore, 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. Furthermore, 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.

[0092] (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) accommodated in the container and adapted to take in light from outside the container from one side; 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; and a sun visor device (140) including a sun visor (145) disposed in front of one surface of the lens and partially blocking light from entering the lens. [Second viewpoint] The imaging device according to a first aspect, wherein the sun visor is made of a member that partially attenuates and transmits light. [Third Perspective] The imager has a rectangular shape with one direction as a longitudinal direction and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction as a lateral direction, The sun visor has a rod-shaped member (145b) and is swingable within one plane of the lens around one end of the rod-shaped member as a rotation center. The imaging device according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a pair of sun visors, the two of which are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the imager. [Fourth viewpoint] The imaging device according to a third aspect, wherein one of the pair of sun visors is operated at a different timing relative to the other sun visor. [Fifth viewpoint] The imaging device according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the pair of sun visors are rotatable around an extended focus (61) of the imager so as to be positioned from the center of rotation toward the extended focus. [Sixth viewpoint] The imaging device according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein, when the short side direction of the imager is the vertical direction, the rotation center of the pair of sun visors is located in the vertical central region of the lens. [Seventh viewpoint] The imaging device according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the sun visor has a fan structure and includes a shaft (145a) that serves as the center of rotation, a blade (145b) that constitutes the rod-shaped member, and a shield portion (145c) that is connected to the blade and changes shape between an unfolded fan shape and a closed fan shape by displacing relative to the blade, and the shield portion expands in the rotation direction of the sun visor to assume the unfolded shape. [Eighth viewpoint] The imaging device described in a seventh aspect, wherein the sun visor device has a storage mode, and when in the storage mode, the sun visor is swung to a storage position, thereby displacing the shield portion relative to the blade in a direction opposite to the direction in which the shield portion is extended, and placing the sun visor in a closed state. [Ninth viewpoint] The shorter side direction of the imager is the up-down direction, the sun visor device is configured to have a standby position when the sun visor is positioned at an upper position of the lens, and a storage position when the sun visor is positioned at a lower position of the lens, At the standby position, the shield portion expands to open the sun visor, and the shield portion blocks a portion of the lens. The imaging device according to a seventh aspect, wherein, in the stored position, the shield portion is displaced in a direction opposite to the direction in which the shield portion extends relative to the blade, and the sun visor is in a closed state. [10th viewpoint] a sun visor cover (150) that covers at least a part of the sun visor on the opposite side of the sun visor from the lens; The sun visor cover has a frame (151) in which an opening (151a) for exposing the sun visor is formed, In the standby position, the blade is hidden between the frame and the lens; The imaging device according to a ninth aspect, wherein, in the storage position, the shield portion abuts against the frame and is displaced in a direction opposite to the direction in which the shield portion extends relative to the blade. [11th viewpoint] The imaging device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the sun visor device is automatically activated based on the image capturing results of the imager, thereby covering areas where it is necessary to restrict light from entering the lens with the sun visor. [12th viewpoint] The imaging device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, which is an on-board camera device mounted on a vehicle (4). [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1...camera device, 10...cover, 20...case, 30...head, 50...lens barrel, 60...imager, 62...horizontal line, 63...white line, 70...imager board, 71...ECU, 80...lens, 90...lens fixing portion, 100...optical component, 140...sun visor device, 141...motor, 142...gearbox, 143...drive shaft, 144...link mechanism, 145...sun visor, 145a...shaft, 145b...blade, 145c...shield portion, 145d...spring portion, 145e...pin, 145f...stopper, 145g...guide hole, 150...sun visor cover, 151...frame, 151a...opening, 152...cap, 152a...window hole, 180...accommodating space, 200...external ECU

Claims

1. An imaging device, A storage container (10 to 30); a lens (80) accommodated in the container and adapted to take in light from outside the container from one side; 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; and a sun visor device (140) including a sun visor (145) disposed in front of one surface of the lens and partially blocking light from entering the lens.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the sun visor is made of a material that partially attenuates and transmits light.

3. The imager has a rectangular shape with one direction as a longitudinal direction and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction as a lateral direction, The sun visor has a rod-shaped member (145b) and is swingable within one plane of the lens around one end of the rod-shaped member as a rotation center, 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the sun visors are a pair, and the two sun visors are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the imager.

4. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein one of the pair of sun visors is activated at a different timing relative to the other sun visor.

5. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the pair of sun visors are pivotable around an extended focus (61) of the imager so as to be disposed from the center of rotation toward the extended focus.

6. The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein a rotation center of the pair of sun visors is located in a vertical center area of ​​the lens when a short side direction of the imager is defined as a vertical direction.

7. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the sun visor has a fan structure and includes a shaft (145a) that serves as the center of rotation, a blade (145b) that constitutes the rod-shaped member, and a shield part (145c) that is connected to the blade and that changes shape between an unfolded fan shape and a closed fan shape by being displaced relative to the blade, and the shield part expands in the rotation direction of the sun visor to assume the unfolded shape.

8. 8. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the sun visor device has a storage mode, and in the storage mode, the sun visor is swung to a storage position, thereby displacing the shield portion relative to the blade in a direction opposite to a direction in which the shield portion is extended, thereby placing the sun visor in a closed configuration.

9. The shorter side direction of the imager is the up-down direction, the sun visor device is configured to have a standby position when the sun visor is positioned at an upper position of the lens, and a storage position when the sun visor is positioned at a lower position of the lens, At the standby position, the shield portion expands to open the sun visor, and the shield portion blocks a portion of the lens. The imaging device according to claim 7 , wherein, in the storage position, the shield portion is displaced relative to the blade in a direction opposite to the direction in which the shield portion extends, and the sun visor is in a closed state.

10. a sun visor cover (150) that covers at least a part of the sun visor on the opposite side of the sun visor from the lens; The sun visor cover has a frame (151) in which an opening (151a) for exposing the sun visor is formed, In the standby position, the blade is hidden between the frame and the lens; The imaging device according to claim 9 , wherein, in the storage position, the shield portion abuts against the frame, displacing the shield portion in a direction opposite to a direction in which the shield portion extends relative to the blade.

11. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the sun visor device is automatically activated based on the result of imaging by the imager, thereby covering an area where it is necessary to restrict light from entering the lens with the sun visor.

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

Images