Camera device

Abstract

The present invention provides a camera device equipped with two or more cameras capable of reducing noise. [Solution] The camera device 1 comprises a first camera 10 having a first housing 14 made of a conductor and electrically connected to an electrical ground 48, a second camera 20 having a second housing 24 made of a conductor and electrically connected to the electrical ground, and a connecting part 30 made of an insulator that structurally connects the first housing and the second housing and electrically insulates the first housing and the second housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera device having two or more cameras.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles that perform driving assistance based on captured images captured by a camera device are increasing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The camera device is electrically connected to a separately provided control device or the like. Since the control device is provided with an electrical ground, the camera device is electrically connected to the electrical ground. Thereby, the camera device can reduce noise and excessive current via the electrical ground. In order to protect the substrate provided inside the camera device from electrical interference such as noise, it is desirable that the housing of the camera device is formed of a conductor such as a metal material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, camera devices using two or more cameras such as a wide-angle camera and a telephoto camera have been increasingly mounted on vehicles. When two or more cameras are mounted in one housing formed of a conductor to constitute a camera device, a loop-shaped circuit is formed by two electrical grounds connected to the two cameras and the housing, and noise may be generated based on a phenomenon similar to that of a loop antenna.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a camera device including two or more cameras capable of reducing noise.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a camera device comprising: a first camera comprising a first housing made of a conductor and electrically connected to electrical ground; a second camera comprising a second housing made of a conductor and electrically connected to the electrical ground; and a connecting portion made of an insulator that structurally connects the first housing and the second housing and electrically insulates the first housing and the second housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, noise in a camera device equipped with two or more cameras can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the structure of the camera device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the imaging unit. [Figure 3] This figure shows the phenomena occurring in the camera device according to the comparative example. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the effects of the camera device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the camera device 1 comprises an imaging unit 2 that images a predetermined range and a control device 40 that controls the imaging unit 2. The imaging unit 2 comprises a first camera 10 that images a first predetermined range and a second camera 20 that images a second predetermined range. The first and second predetermined ranges may be the same or different. The first camera 10 is, for example, a wide-angle camera. The second camera 20 is, for example, a telephoto camera. The first camera 10 may be a telephoto camera, and the second camera 20 may be a wide-angle camera. The control device 40 is electrically connected to an electrical ground 48 that serves as a reference for potential. The electrical ground 48 is electrically connected to, for example, the metal body of a vehicle. The electrical ground 48 is formed by a conductor. The electrical ground 48 is an electrical path for dissipating excess current voltage, noise, static electricity, etc. generated in the control device 40 to the vehicle body.

[0010] The control device 40 includes a first control unit 41 that controls the first camera 10 and performs image processing. The first control unit 41 is electrically connected to the first camera 10 so as to be able to communicate with it. The first control unit 41 is composed of, for example, at least one hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit. The storage unit is composed of a non-temporary storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state disk (SSD). The first control unit 41 may be built into the first camera 10. The first control unit 41 is electrically connected to the electrical ground 48. With the above configuration, the first camera 10 is electrically connected to the electrical ground 48 via the first control unit 41.

[0011] The control device 40 includes a second control unit 42 that performs control and image processing of the second camera 20. The second control unit 42 is electrically connected to the second camera 20 so as to be able to communicate with it. The second control unit 42 is composed of, for example, at least one hardware processor such as a CPU and a storage unit. The storage unit is composed of a non-temporary storage medium such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state disk. The second control unit 42 may be built into the second camera 20. The second control unit 42 is electrically connected to electrical ground 48. With the above configuration, the second camera 20 is electrically connected to electrical ground 48 via the second control unit 42.

[0012] The first camera 10 includes a first substrate 11 that performs imaging processing. The first substrate 11 has a camera element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and is configured to convert an image received through the first lens 12 into an image based on an electrical signal and output it. The first substrate 11 is electrically connected to the first cable 13. The first substrate 11 outputs the image to the control device 40 via the first cable 13. The first substrate 11 outputs imaging data based on a transmission method such as LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling). The first cable 13 is electrically connected to the first control unit 41. The first cable 13 is, for example, an LVDS cable.

[0013] The first camera 10 includes a first housing 14 that covers the first substrate 11. The first housing 14 is made of a conductor such as an electrically conductive metal. The first housing 14 is cast using, for example, aluminum die casting. The first housing 14 is hollow. The first housing 14 supports the first substrate 11 in its internal space. The first housing 14 reduces electromagnetic noise generated on the first substrate 11.

[0014] The second camera 20 includes a second substrate 21 that performs imaging processing. The second substrate 21 has a camera element such as a CCD and is configured to convert an image received through the second lens 22 into an image based on an electrical signal and output it. The second substrate 21 is electrically connected to the second cable 23. The second substrate 21 outputs the image to the control device 40 via the second cable 23. The second substrate 21 outputs imaging data based on a transmission method such as LVDS. The second cable 23 is electrically connected to the second control unit 42. The second cable 23 is, for example, an LVDS cable.

[0015] The second camera 20 includes a second housing 24 that covers the second substrate 21. The second housing 24 is made of a conductor such as an electrically conductive metal. The second housing 24 is cast using, for example, aluminum die casting. The second housing 24 is hollow. The second housing 24 supports the second substrate 21 in its internal space. The second housing 24 reduces electromagnetic noise generated on the second substrate 21.

[0016] A connecting portion 30 is provided between the first housing 14 and the second housing 24, structurally connecting the first housing 14 and the second housing 24. The connecting portion 30 is formed of an insulator such as resin. The connecting portion 30 electrically insulates the first housing 14 and the second housing 24. The connecting portion 30 is configured to connect the first housing 14 and the second housing 24 in a predetermined positional relationship. By connecting the first housing 14 and the second housing 24 with the connecting portion 30, the imaging unit 2 is treated as a single, integrated device.

[0017] The connecting portion 30 includes a first connecting portion 31 that is insert-molded from a thermoplastic material such as resin onto the first housing 14 side. The first connecting portion 31 may be fitted into the first housing 14 side. The first connecting portion 31 may be bonded to the first housing 14 side. The first connecting portion 31 may be fixed to the first housing 14 side via an adhesive member such as double-sided tape. The first connecting portion 31 may be fixed by any fixing method as long as it is electrically insulated from the first housing 14.

[0018] The connecting portion 30 includes a second connecting portion 32 that is insert-molded on the second housing side 24 with a thermoplastic material such as resin. The second connecting portion 32 may be fitted on the second housing 24 side. The second connecting portion 32 may be adhered to the second housing 24 side. The second connecting portion 32 may be fixed to the second housing 24 side via an adhesive member such as double-sided tape. The second connecting portion 32 may be fixed by any fixing method as long as it is electrically insulated from the second housing 24.

[0019] The first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 are connected to each other in a predetermined positional relationship. The first connecting portion 31 is provided on the first surface 15 of the first housing 14 facing the second housing 24. The second connecting portion 32 is provided on the second surface 25 of the second housing 24 facing the first housing 14. The first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 are fixed, for example, by fitting. The first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 may be fixed by adhesion. The first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 may be fixed via an adhesive member such as double-sided tape. The first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 may be fixed by any fixing method as long as they are fixed to each other in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0020] The first connecting portion 31 includes, for example, a first fitting portion 31A facing the second connecting portion. The second connecting portion 32 includes, for example, a second fitting portion 32A facing the first connecting portion 31. The first fitting portion 31A and the second fitting portion 32A are formed so as to fit and be fixed to each other in a predetermined positional relationship. The first fitting portion 31A and the second fitting portion 32A may be formed in any shape as long as they are fixed to each other.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the camera device 100 according to the comparative example. In the description of the camera device 100, the same components as those of the camera device 1 are denoted by the same names and reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In the imaging unit 2A of the camera device 100, the first housing 14 of the first camera 10 and the second housing 24 of the second camera 20 are electrically connected without using the connecting portion 30 as compared with the imaging unit 2 of the camera device 1. According to the imaging unit 2A having such a structure, a loop-shaped electrical circuit is formed among the imaging unit 2A, the first cable 13, the second cable 23, and the control device 40. Therefore, a phenomenon similar to that of a loop antenna or a loop circuit may occur, and noise may be generated not only in the camera device 100 but also in other electronic devices.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, according to the camera device 1, in the imaging unit 2, the first housing 14 of the first camera 10 and the second housing 24 of the second camera 20 are connected by a connecting portion 30 formed of an insulator. Therefore, the first housing 14 and the second housing 24 are electrically insulated, and the occurrence of a phenomenon similar to that of a loop antenna is suppressed, and the noise of the camera device 1 can be reduced. According to the camera device 1, since the first camera 10 and the second camera 20 are connected by the connecting portion 30, the imaging unit 2 can be handled as a single unit, and the workability during transportation and installation can be improved.

[0023] According to the camera device 1, since the first fitting portion 31A is insert-molded into the first housing 14 with resin and the second fitting portion 32A is insert-molded into the second housing 24 with resin, the usage fee of the resin material can be reduced as compared with a method of fixing the first housing 14 and the second housing 24 using a connecting member such as a bracket. According to the camera device 1, since the first fitting portion 31A is insert-molded into the first housing 14 with resin and the second fitting portion 32A is insert-molded into the second housing 24 with resin, the number of holes formed in the first housing 14 and the second housing 24 can be minimized.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0024] 1 Camera device, 2 Imaging unit, 2A Imaging unit, 10 First camera, 11 First circuit board, 12 First lens, 13 First cable, 14 First housing, 15 First surface, 20 Second camera, 21 Second circuit board, 22 Second lens, 23 Second cable, 24 Second housing, 25 Second surface, 30 Connecting unit, 31 First connecting unit, 31A First fitting unit, 32 Second connecting unit, 32A Second fitting unit, 40 Control device, 41 First control unit, 42 Second control unit, 48 Electrical grounding

Claims

1. A first camera comprising a first housing formed of a conductor and electrically connected to electrical ground, A second camera comprising a second housing formed of a conductor and electrically connected to the electrical ground, It comprises a connecting portion formed of an insulator that structurally connects the first housing and the second housing, and electrically insulates the first housing and the second housing, Camera device.

2. The aforementioned connecting portion is The first housing and the second housing are connected in a predetermined positional relationship. The camera device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned connecting portion is The first connecting portion is insert-molded into the first housing side, The second housing side comprises a second connecting portion that is insert-molded, The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected to each other in a predetermined positional relationship. The camera device according to claim 1.

4. The first connecting portion is, Provided on the first surface of the first housing facing the second housing, The second connecting portion is, Provided on the second surface of the second housing facing the first housing, The camera device according to claim 3.

5. The first connecting portion is, It comprises a first fitting portion facing the second connecting portion, The second connecting portion is, It comprises a second fitting portion facing the first connecting portion, The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are formed to fit together in a predetermined positional relationship. The camera device according to claim 3.

Images