Camera device and method for controlling the heating of the camera device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a camera device mounted on a vehicle and a method for controlling the heating of the camera device. And so on.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a camera device mounted on a vehicle continuously captures the surroundings of the vehicle, such as the front and rear of the vehicle, over time and records the video. The camera device is attached to the inside or outside of the vehicle, but a camera device provided outside the vehicle, such as a camera that captures far-infrared wavelengths, is exposed to external environments such as wind and rain. And so on. A camera device provided outside the vehicle, such as a camera that captures far-infrared wavelengths, is exposed to external environments such as wind and rain. And so on.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a camera device provided with a tapered inclined portion at the outer edge of a lens exposed to the outside air. And so on.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the camera device described in Patent Document 1, when water droplets adhere to the lens exposed to the outside air, a flow velocity vector is generated due to the running of the vehicle or the like, and the water droplets are flowed to the outside of the lens. However, the water droplets adhering to the lens increase in viscosity due to the low temperature of snow, rain, etc., and become difficult to flow from the lens. Also, water flowing from the lens may stay and freeze in the flange portion. And so on. And so on. And so on.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the object thereof is to the outside air. A camera device that can suppress the adhesion of water droplets to the exposed lens, and the camera device The objective is to provide a heating control method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A camera device in one aspect of the present invention is a camera device used in a vehicle, and is an outside air A lens that is exposed, and the outer surface of the inner edge that covers the outer edge of the lens and is connected to the lens A lens barrel having a flange treated with a water-repellent coating, a first heater for heating the lens, and A second heater heats the outer surface of the flange, and depending on the weather, water droplets adhere to the lens. When the condition is met, the first heater is energized to enter a first energized state, and the flange When water droplets on the outer surface are frozen, the second heater is used in addition to the first heater. It includes a control unit that switches to a second energized state, which energizes the device.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a heating control method which covers the outer edge of a lens exposed to the outside air, A flange with a water-repellent treatment applied to the outer surface of the inner edge of the lens is provided on the lens barrel for use in vehicles. A method for controlling the heating of a camera device, comprising an information acquisition step for acquiring weather information, and the information acquisition Information acquisition step, and based on the weather acquired by the information acquisition step, the When water droplets are present on the lens, the first heater that heats the lens is energized. When the device is energized and water droplets on the outer surface of the flange freeze, In addition to the first heater, a second heater is energized to heat the outer surface of the flange. It includes a switching step to switch between states. [Effects of the Invention]

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the camera device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the camera device. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the flange portion. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera device. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the procedure for energization control of each heater in the camera device.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0012] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera device 100 according to an embodiment. The camera device 10 0 includes a camera body 1, a lens barrel 2, a lens 3, and the like. The camera body 1 is a box-shaped body having a hole through which the lens barrel 2 passes, and houses an image pickup element, a filter, etc. not shown inside. The lens barrel 2 is cylindrical and supports an optical system disposed inside. A lens 3 is fitted in an opening 2a at the front. The lens barrel 2 has a frame portion 20 for holding the lens 3. The lens 3 is fitted. The lens barrel 2 has a frame portion 20 for holding the lens 3. The lens 3 This may be an aspherical lens, for example, but is not limited to this; a spherical lens or the like may also be used. The camera device 100 is, for example, a far-infrared camera, but is not limited to this; it may also be a visible light imaging camera. It may also be a "Ra" or similar term. Furthermore, it is acceptable to consider the camera body 1 itself as part of the lens barrel 2. stomach.

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the camera device 100. The camera device 100 is mounted on a vehicle. When attached, the surface side of lens 3 is exposed to the outside air and is exposed to external environmental conditions such as wind and rain. The outer edge portion of the surface of the lens 3 that is exposed to the outside air is the flange of the frame portion 20 of the lens barrel 2. It is covered by 21. The lens barrel 2 is fitted inside the opening on the front end side. A frame portion 20 is provided to hold the lens 3, but the frame portion 20 and the lens barrel 2 are integrally formed. It's fine if it is done.

[0014] The frame portion 20 in the lens barrel 2 has a flange 21 that covers the outer edge portion on the surface side of the lens 3. Furthermore, a light-shielding portion 23 is formed on the inner circumference of the inner edge portion 22. The light-shielding portion 23 is in the direction of the optical axis. In contrast, it is tapered and its diameter increases towards the front end. The light-shielding portion 23 is tapered It functions to block infrared or light rays from angles greater than the P angle.

[0015] An inclined portion 24 is formed on the inner edge portion 22 of the flange 21, continuous with the outer periphery portion of the light-shielding portion 23. The inclined portion 24 is tapered, with its diameter increasing towards the front end. (See Figure 2) Thus, the taper angle A of the inclined portion 24 is greater than the taper angle of the light-shielding portion 23, and more specifically, It is set to 120 degrees or more. Also, the taper angle A of the inclined section 24 is set to 160 degrees or less. It is preferable to do so.

[0016] The flange 21 is continuous with the outer circumference of the inclined portion 24 and has a front end surface 25 that extends outward. The thickness t of the flange 21 at the front end surface 25 is sufficient to hold the lens 3 with sufficient strength and rigidity. It is set to have the property. The thickness of the flange 21 is in front of the light-shielding portion 23 and the inclined portion 24. The thickness is thinner than the thickness t of the end face 25. The thickness at the light-shielding portion 23, the inclined portion 24 and the front end face 25 is When it becomes thinner, its rigidity decreases, causing deformation, its strength decreases, leading to cracking, and furthermore, manufacturing Its nature will worsen.

[0017] The inclined portion 24 and front end surface 25 of the flange 21 shown in Figure 2 are formed at approximately the front end of the lens barrel 2. However, it may be formed in a recessed position on the camera body 1 side, or conversely, in a recessed position on the front side. It may be formed in a protruding position. Also, the connection point between the light-shielding part 23 and the inclined part 24, The connection point between the inclined portion 24 and the front end surface 25 may have a corner, or it may be rounded and smooth. It's fine if it's connected via a remote connection.

[0018] Lens 3, on the inside of the light-shielding portion 23 which is the outer edge, has a front surface that is exposed to the outside air. It has a concave portion 3a that is concave in one direction. The lens 3 has an inner portion continuous with the concave portion 3a, It has a convex portion 3b that is convex in the forward direction. The lens 3 shown in Figure 2 is an aspherical lens. It is formed in this way. Also, as mentioned above, lens 3 may be a spherical lens or the like, in this case In some cases, a configuration may be formed in which the concave portion 3a is not formed.

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

[0020] When water droplets adhere to the light-shielding portion 23, the inclined portion 24, and the front end surface 25 due to rainfall, The water droplets create resistance, causing the water to flow outwards from the center of lens 3, as shown by arrow P in Figure 3. The airflow velocity decreases. Water droplets adhering to the light-shielding section 23, the inclined section 24, and the front end surface 25 will be released. A surface treatment film 26 is formed to facilitate flow and discharge to the side and prevent stagnation. ru.

[0021] In anodizing, a porous layer with micropores formed by anodic oxidation is created. It forms a coating. The porous layer provides adhesion for bonding, bonding, and coating. As it penetrates the layers, a colored coating is formed, such as silver, bronze, black, or white. The paint film becomes less likely to peel off.

[0022] Furthermore, by depositing resin paint onto the surface of the porous layer using methods such as electrodeposition coating, The surface can be glossy, matte, or white. Also, before anodizing... The surface may be roughened by blasting with small-diameter particles.

[0023] Returning to Figure 2, the lens 3 and the frame portion 20 are provided with a first heater 41 and a second heater 42. The first heater 41 is ring-shaped and attached to the outer edge of the back surface of the lens 3. Furthermore, the second heater 42 is ring-shaped and is located on the outer surface of the frame portion 20 inside the lens barrel 2. It's pasted on.

[0024] The first heater 41 heats the lens 3 by heating, and removes water droplets from the surface exposed to the outside air. The viscosity is reduced and the freezing of water droplets is prevented. The first heater 41 is located on the outer circumference of the lens 3. The lens 3 is warmed by heating the part. The second heater 42 heats the lens 3 and The frame portion 20 is heated, and water droplets on the surface of the lens 3 and the outer surface of the flange 21 of the frame portion 20 are removed. It reduces viscosity and prevents water droplets from freezing.

[0025] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera device 100. The camera device 100 is used for imaging. The system comprises an imaging unit 5 and a control unit 6. The imaging unit 5 includes an image sensor 51, a first heater 41 and a second heater It has a 42. The image sensor 51 is composed of a detector such as a CCD, and passes through the lens 3. The light that enters the camera body 1 is detected. The first heater 41 and the second heater 42 are above As described above, the lens 3 and the frame portion 20 are heated.

[0026] The control unit 6 includes an imaging control unit 61, a heater control unit 62, and an information acquisition unit 63. The control unit 61 controls the image sensor 51 to photograph the outside of the vehicle. The heater control unit 62 controls the The power supply to the first heater 41 and the second heater 42 is controlled to be switched on and off. The information acquisition unit 63 is used to determine the vehicle The system acquires information on both the outside air conditions and the driving speed. Outside air conditions refer to, for example, weather (sunny). These include weather conditions (rain, fog, snow, and sleet, etc.), outside temperature, etc.

[0027] The information acquisition unit 63 acquires the condition of the outside air from a temperature sensor (not shown) installed in the vehicle. It is advantageous. In addition, the information acquisition unit 63 communicates the state of the outside air via a communication device (not shown). Information such as weather conditions is acquired. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 63 acquires information indicating the vehicle's speed, as shown in the diagram. The data is obtained from a vehicle speed sensor, etc.

[0028] The heater control unit 62 uses the ambient air conditions and driving speed acquired by the information acquisition unit 63 to determine the ambient air conditions and driving speed. Next, there is a first energized state in which the first heater 41 is energized, and a second state in which, in addition to energizing the first heater 41, the first Control is performed to switch between a second energized state, which energizes the two heaters 42, and another state.

[0029] Next, the operation of the camera device 100 will be explained based on the power supply control to each heater. Figure 5 shows the camera This flowchart shows the procedure for controlling the power supply to each heater in the merchandising device 100. The information acquisition unit 63 acquires information on the outside air conditions and driving speed (S1). Heater control The 62nd section determines whether the weather is rainy or foggy based on information regarding the external conditions. (S2). The determination in step S2 is, in other words, if the lens is affected by rainfall or fog, etc. Determine that water droplets are adhering to the surface of 3.

[0030] In step S2, if it is determined that the weather is rain or fog (S2: YES), The data control unit 62, based on information about the outside temperature and driving speed, determines that water droplets are released as the vehicle moves. Determine whether or not it is likely to freeze (S3). The determination in step S3 is, in other words, The water droplets adhering to the surface of lens 3 will not freeze or freeze due to the influence of the outside temperature alone. However, as the vehicle moves, wind hits the lens 3, etc., and the water droplets effectively freeze or freeze. It is determined that the vehicle is in a condition where it is likely to be affected. The determination in step S3 is based on the outside temperature and the vehicle's movement. The determination is made by estimating from the speed. In step S3, the water droplets freeze due to the movement of the vehicle. If it is determined that there is no possibility of connection (S3: NO), the heater control unit 62 returns to the first energized state. Switch control is performed (S4), and the process is terminated. The first energized state is as described above, first heater 4 This indicates that power to terminal 1 is turned on.

[0031] In step S2, if it is determined that the weather is not rain or fog (S2: NO), The control unit 62 determines whether the weather is snow or sleet (S5). Step S5 The determination, in other words, is whether the surface of lens 3 is frozen or frozen by snow or sleet. It is determined that the conditions are such that water droplets may adhere to the surface. In step S5, the weather If it is determined that the weather is snow or sleet (S5: YES), the heater control unit 62 will turn on the second energized state The system switches to the next state (S4) and terminates the process. The second energized state is as described above, the first heater The power supply to both heater 41 and the second heater 42 is turned on.

[0032] In step S5, if it is determined that the weather is not snow or sleet (S5: NO), The power control unit 62, for example, if it determines that the weather is sunny, then the first heater 41 and the second heater 4 The process ends by turning off the power supply to port 2.

[0033] Furthermore, in step S3, it is determined that there is a possibility that water droplets may freeze due to the vehicle's movement. If this occurs (S3:YES), the heater control unit 62 switches to the second energized state (S4), The process is terminated. By repeating the processes from steps S1 to S6 described above as appropriate, The control unit 6, based on information about the constantly changing outside air conditions and driving speed, controls the camera device 10 The power supply control of heater 0 is performed. Furthermore, the switching step in the present invention is as described above. This corresponds to the processing from steps S2 to S6.

[0034] The camera device 100, based on information about the outside air conditions and the driving speed, controls the first heater 41 By performing switching control to turn the power supply to the second heater 42 on and off, lens 3 This can suppress the adhesion of water droplets to the surface.

[0035] The control unit 6 reduces the viscosity of water droplets adhering to the surface of the lens 3 by heating the first heater 41. The control unit 6 lowers the first heater to suppress the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3. Heating by heater 41 and second heater 42 melts snow or ice attached to the surface of lens 3. This helps to prevent water droplets from adhering to lens 3.

[0036] The camera device 100 acquires information on weather and outside temperature as the condition of the outside air. This allows you to predict that snow or ice will fall onto lens 3, and smell the surface of lens 3. This allows us to determine whether or not the water droplets will freeze.

[0037] The control unit 6 of the camera device 100 receives information on whether the weather is rainy or foggy, as well as the outside temperature and driving speed. If the water droplets do not freeze as indicated by the report, the power to the first heater 41 is turned ON. The camera device 100 is controlled to the first energized state, where the power to the first heater 41 is ON. As a result, lens 3 is heated, and the viscosity of water droplets that have fallen on the surface of lens 3 changes This reduces the water droplets, making them easier to remove and thus suppressing their adhesion to lens 3.

[0038] The control unit 6 determines if the weather is rainy or foggy, and if water droplets freeze based on information about the outside temperature and driving speed. If there is a possibility of connection, the power supply to the first heater 41 and the second heater 42 is turned ON. The control unit 6 controls the second power supply state when the weather is snow or sleet. The system controls the power supply to heater 41 and the second heater 42 to a second energized state, which is the ON state. The device 100 is configured such that the power supply to the first heater 41 and the second heater 42 is turned ON. As a result, the lens 3 and frame 20 are heated, and the outside of the flange 21 of the lens 3 and frame 20 It suppresses the freezing of water droplets that have fallen on the surface, and also melts snow and ice, preventing water droplets from falling onto lens 3. This can suppress adhesion.

[0039] Next, the camera device 100 according to the above embodiment, and the heating control method for the camera device 100. I will explain the characteristics of the law. The camera device 100 according to this embodiment includes a lens 3 exposed to the outside air, a lens barrel 2, and a first heater 4. 1. It comprises a second heater 42 and a control unit 6. The lens barrel 2 covers the outer edge of the lens 3, It has a flange 21 whose outer surface of the inner edge portion connected to the 3 is treated with a water-repellent coating. First heater 4 1 heats lens 3. Second heater 42 heats the outer surface of flange 21. Control Unit 6 energizes the first heater 41 based on the outside air conditions and driving speed of the vehicle. The system switches between the current state and a second energized state in which the second heater 42 is energized in addition to the first heater 41. This allows the camera device 100 to suppress the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 6, based on the outside air conditions and driving speed of the vehicle, checks if water droplets are adhering to the lens 3. The first energized state is defined as the state in which water droplets on the outer surface of flange 21 freeze. The second energized state is set when the state is as described above. As a result, the camera device 100 is set to the flange 21 This can suppress the freezing of water droplets on the outer surface and prevent water droplets from adhering to the lens 3. It is possible.

[0041] The control unit 6 also acquires weather and outside temperature information as the condition of the outside air of the vehicle. Therefore, the camera device 100 can predict that snow or ice will fall onto the lens 3. It is possible to determine whether or not water droplets freeze on the surface of lens 3.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 6 uses the first heater 41 to reduce the viscosity of water droplets adhering to the surface of the lens 3. The second heater 42 is heated in such a way that it melts snow or ice adhering to the surface of the lens 3. It is heated to this extent. This allows the camera device 100 to remove snow or ice adhering to the surface of the lens 3. This process involves melting the water droplets to prevent them from adhering to lens 3.

[0043] Furthermore, the heating control method covers the outer edge of lens 3 that is exposed to the outside air, and the inner edge connected to lens 3 A camera device for vehicles, in which a flange 21 with a water-repellent treatment applied to the outer surface of the part is provided on the lens barrel 2. 100 heating control methods, comprising an information acquisition step and a switching step. Information acquisition The first step acquires the vehicle's outside air conditions and driving speed. The second step is to acquire the information. Based on the ambient air conditions and driving speed obtained by the step, the first heating element heats lens 3. A first energized state in which power is supplied to heater 41, and a second state in which the outer surface of flange 21 is energized in addition to heater 41. The second power supply state is switched to a second power supply state that supplies power to the heating second heater 42. According to this method, turtle This can suppress the adhesion of water droplets to the lens 3 of the device 100.

[0044] The above has been described based on embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are illustrative and may vary. Various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention, and such modifications and Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications are also within the scope of the claims of this invention. The descriptions and drawings in this specification should be treated as illustrative rather than restrictive. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 2 telescope tubes, 21 flanges, 3 lenses, 41 First heater, 42 Second heater, 6 Control unit, 100 camera devices.

Claims

1. A camera device used in a vehicle, Lenses exposed to the outside air, A lens barrel having a flange that covers the outer edge of the lens and has a water-repellent treatment applied to the outer surface of the inner edge connected to the lens, A first heater for heating the lens, A second heater for heating the outer surface of the flange, The system includes a control unit that switches between a first energizing state, which energizes the first heater when water droplets are present on the lens, and a second energizing state, which energizes the second heater in addition to the first heater when water droplets on the outer surface of the flange are frozen. The control unit determines that if the weather is rain or fog, water droplets are adhering to the lens, and if the weather is snow or sleet, water droplets that are frozen or have the potential to freeze are adhering to the surface of the lens, causing water droplets on the outer surface of the flange to freeze. Camera device.

2. A heating control method for a vehicle camera device, wherein a flange covering the outer edge of a lens exposed to the outside air and having a water-repellent treatment applied to the outer surface of the inner edge connected to the lens is provided on the lens barrel, The steps for obtaining weather information and A switching step that switches between a first energizing state, in which, based on the weather conditions obtained in the information acquisition step, power is supplied to a first heater that heats the lens when water droplets are adhering to the lens, and a second energizing state, in which power is supplied to a second heater that heats the outer surface of the flange in addition to the first heater when water droplets on the outer surface of the flange are freezing, and Equipped with, In the switching step, it is determined that if the weather is rain or fog, water droplets adhere to the lens, and if the weather is snow or sleet, it is determined that water droplets on the outer surface of the flange freeze due to the adhesion of water droplets that freeze or may freeze to the surface of the lens. A method for controlling the heating of a camera device.

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