Image capturing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image capturing device, and more specifically, to an image capturing device that protects the lens portion from external forces and automatically removes foreign substances. An image capturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a camera, a cover plate that protects the camera, a cover glass disposed in front of the camera, and first and second vibration elements disposed on the cover glass and vibrating at different frequencies.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image capturing device, and more specifically, to an image capturing device that protects a lens portion from external forces and automatically removes foreign substances. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with side mirrors that allow the driver to assess road conditions to the left, right, or rear of the vehicle. Installed on or near the front doors on both sides of the vehicle, side mirrors play an essential role in safe driving by enabling the driver to recognize surrounding vehicles located to the side or rear, allowing for safe lane changes or the maintenance of a safe distance.

[0003] However, since side mirrors are installed to protrude significantly outward from both sides of the vehicle, there are problems such as increased air resistance during driving, which leads to reduced fuel efficiency and increased noise, as well as a high possibility of damage due to external impacts.

[0004] When side mirrors are removed, air resistance is reduced by up to 7%, and fuel consumption can be reduced by about 3% due to the reduction in air resistance. Accordingly, research is underway to replace conventional side mirrors with cameras in order to design high-efficiency, high-performance cars.

[0005] Meanwhile, the camera is equipped with a lens unit to transmit external light; however, since the camera is mounted externally on the vehicle, the lens unit may be damaged by external forces. Additionally, if foreign substances such as rainwater or mud adhere to the lens unit, the camera may be unable to perform normal shooting.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an invention to protect the camera lens from external forces and prevent foreign substances from adhering to the lens. Prior art literature

[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2195145 (December 31, 2020) The problem to be solved

[0008] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an image capturing device that protects the lens portion from external forces and automatically removes foreign substances.

[0009] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] An image capturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a camera, a cover plate that protects the camera, a cover glass disposed in front of the camera, and first and second vibration elements disposed on the cover glass and vibrating at different frequencies.

[0011] The first vibration element and the second vibration element are positioned so as not to interfere with the visible area of ​​the camera.

[0012] The first vibration element and the second vibration element are arranged on the cover glass in the form of a ring.

[0013] One of the first vibration element and the second vibration element is positioned to wrap around the other.

[0014] The above image capturing device further includes a control unit that controls the first vibration element and the second vibration element to vibrate at a first frequency and a second frequency, respectively.

[0015] The first frequency includes the resonance frequency of the first vibration element, and the second frequency includes the resonance frequency of the second vibration element.

[0016] The above control unit alternately operates the first vibration element and the second vibration element.

[0017] The above control unit causes the other one to start operating when one of the first vibration element and the second vibration element ends operation.

[0018] The first operating time from when the first vibration element starts operating until when the operation ends, and the second operating time from when the second vibration element starts operating until when the operation ends, are the same or different.

[0019] The first frequency above includes a frequency that moves a plurality of foreign substances sporadically attached to the cover glass to the central region of the cover glass.

[0020] The second frequency above includes a frequency that condenses a plurality of foreign substances that have moved to the central region of the cover glass.

[0021] At least one of the first frequency and the second frequency includes a frequency for heating the cover glass.

[0022] The above control unit controls the first vibration element and the second vibration element to vibrate at a third frequency.

[0023] The third frequency above includes a frequency for separating foreign substances attached to the cover glass from the cover glass.

[0024] The first vibration element and the second vibration element include piezo ceramic elements.

[0025] The above image capturing device further includes a heating wire that heats the cover glass by being in close contact with the cover glass.

[0026] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention

[0027] According to the image capturing device of the embodiment of the present invention as described above, the lens part is protected from external forces, and foreign substances attached to the lens part are automatically removed, which is an advantage. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an image capturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of A-A' in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a drawing showing a vibration element provided in the shape of a square ring. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a vibration element having the shape of a circular ring and equipped with a plurality of segmented vibration elements. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a vibration element having the shape of a square ring and equipped with a plurality of segmented vibration elements. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the first frequency of the first vibration element and the second frequency of the second vibration element. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the third frequency of the first vibration element and the second vibration element. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a first vibration element and a second vibration element in alternation. Figure 9 is a diagram showing foreign matter moving to the central area of ​​the cover glass. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the condensation of foreign substances. Figure 11 is a diagram showing foreign matter being separated from the cover glass. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an image capturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of B-B' in Figure 12. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an image capturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A' in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a vibration element provided in the shape of a square ring, FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a vibration element having a circular ring shape and a plurality of segmented vibration elements, FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a vibration element having a square ring shape and a plurality of segmented vibration elements, FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the first frequency of the first vibration element and the second frequency of the second vibration element, FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the third frequency of the first vibration element and the second vibration element, and FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining that the first vibration element and the second vibration element operate alternately.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, an image capturing device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a camera (100), a cover plate (200), a cover glass (300), a vibration element (400), and a control unit (500).

[0033] A camera (100) can receive external light and generate an image. To this end, the camera (100) may be equipped with an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). In the present invention, the image capturing device (10) may be equipped in a vehicle. Specifically, the image capturing device (10) may be equipped on the left and right sides of the vehicle to capture the rear of each side. The captured image may be displayed through a display device equipped inside the vehicle. However, the fact that the image capturing device (10) of the present invention is equipped in a vehicle is exemplary, and the image capturing device (10) may be equipped in a separate device other than a vehicle.

[0034] To receive external light more effectively, the camera (100) may be equipped with a lens unit (120). The lens unit (120) may include a lens holder (121) and a lens (122). The lens holder (121) may be coupled to the camera body (110) to support the lens (122). The lens (122) may be positioned in the path of external light incident on the camera body (110) to concentrate the external light.

[0035] The cover plate (200) can protect the camera (100). To this end, the cover plate (200) can be attached to the camera (100). For example, the cover plate (200) can be attached to the lens portion (120) of the camera (100). The cover plate (200) can be attached to the lens portion (120) by fitting the cover plate (200) into the lens holder (121) of the lens portion (120). Alternatively, the cover plate (200) and the lens portion (120) may each be provided with screw threads so that the cover plate (200) and the lens portion (120) can be screw-coupled.

[0036] A cover glass (300) may be positioned in front of the camera (100). Specifically, the cover glass (300) is provided on a cover plate (200) and can transmit external light to the lens portion (120) of the camera (100). To this end, the cover glass (300) may have a relatively high light transmittance. The cover glass (300) can protect the lens portion (120) from external impacts and foreign substances. In particular, foreign substances such as water or mud can be blocked by the cover glass (300), thereby preventing damage to the lens (122).

[0037] The vibration element (400) may include a first vibration element (410) and a second vibration element (420). The first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be placed on a cover glass (300) to vibrate the cover glass (300). At this time, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may vibrate at different frequencies. Hereinafter, the frequency at which the first vibration element (410) vibrates is referred to as the first frequency, and the frequency at which the second vibration element (420) vibrates is referred to as the second frequency.

[0038] In the present invention, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be piezo-ceramic elements. That is, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may generate vibrations by input power. However, the fact that the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) are piezo-ceramic elements is exemplary, and vibrations may be generated in other ways. For example, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may each be equipped with an electric motor and generate vibrations by the rotation of the electric motor. Hereinafter, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420), which are piezo-ceramic elements, will be described primarily.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) can be arranged in the form of a ring on the cover glass (300).

[0040] The first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be disposed on the inner surface of the cover glass (300). That is, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be provided in the inner space of the cover plate (200) without being exposed to the outside. However, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be disposed on the outer surface of the cover glass (300).

[0041] The first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be positioned so as not to interfere with the visible area of ​​the camera (100). Specifically, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be positioned in an area of ​​the entire cover glass (300) that does not interfere with external light incident on the lens portion (120). For example, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be positioned in the form of a circular ring along the edge of the cover glass (300). Accordingly, external light can be incident on the camera (100) without being interfered with by the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420).

[0042] One of the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be positioned to surround the other. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the arrangement in which the first vibration element (410) surrounds the second vibration element (420).

[0043] The first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be circular or elliptical. Additionally, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may have the same central axis or different central axes. However, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be placed on the cover glass (300) without contacting each other. Accordingly, each vibration can be transmitted to the cover glass (300) without interfering with the other.

[0044] Although the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) having the shape of a circular ring have been described above, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may be provided in the shape of a polygonal ring. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first vibration element (411) and the second vibration element (421) may be provided in the shape of a square ring.

[0045] Additionally, the first vibration element and the second vibration element may each be configured to include a plurality of segmented vibration elements. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first vibration element and the second vibration element of the circular ring may each include a plurality of segmented vibration elements (412a, 412b, 412c, 412d, 422a, 422b, 422c, 422d), and as shown in FIG. 5, the first vibration element and the second vibration element of the square ring may each include a plurality of segmented vibration elements (413a, 413b, 413c, 413d, 423a, 423b, 423c, 423d).

[0046] Hereinafter, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420), each having the shape of a circular ring and being a single body, will be described in detail.

[0047] Referring again to FIG. 1, the control unit (500) can control the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420).

[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit (500) can control the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) to vibrate at a first frequency and a second frequency, respectively.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates that the first frequency is greater than the second frequency, but according to some embodiments of the present invention, the first frequency may be smaller than the second frequency.

[0050] In the present invention, the first frequency may include the resonance frequency of the first vibration element (410), and the second frequency may include the resonance frequency of the second vibration element (420). Since the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) have different sizes, they may have different masses. Accordingly, the resonance frequency of the first vibration element (410) and the resonance frequency of the second vibration element (420) may be different. For example, the first vibration element (410), having a larger mass, may generate a larger vibration compared to the second vibration element (420).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (500) can control the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) to vibrate at a third frequency.

[0052] The third frequency may be the same as the first frequency or the second frequency, or it may be different. The first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may vibrate at the same third frequency by means of the control unit (500).

[0053] In the present invention, the first frequency may include a frequency that moves a plurality of foreign substances sporadically attached to the cover glass (300) to the central region of the cover glass (300). The second frequency may include a frequency that condenses the plurality of foreign substances moved to the central region of the cover glass (300). The third frequency may include a frequency that separates foreign substances attached to the cover glass (300) from the cover glass (300). A detailed description of the roles of the first frequency, the second frequency, and the third frequency will be provided later through FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (500) can alternately operate the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420).

[0055] While the first vibration element (410) is operating, the operation of the second vibration element (420) may be interrupted, and the operation of the first vibration element (410) may be interrupted while the second vibration element (420) is operating. To this end, the control unit (500) may cause the other vibration element (410) to start operating when one of the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) ends operation. That is, the second vibration element (420) may start operating when the first vibration element (410) ends operation, and the first vibration element (410) may start operating when the second vibration element (420) ends operation. Since each vibration element performs operation without interruption, the time for separating foreign substances from the cover glass (300) can be shortened.

[0056] The first operation time (t1) from when the first vibration element (410) starts operating until when the operation ends, and the second operation time (t2) from when the second vibration element (420) starts operating until when the operation ends, may be the same or different. In the present invention, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) may perform different roles for removing foreign substances attached to the cover glass (300). The first operation time (t1) and the second operation time (t2) may be appropriately determined according to the roles of the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420).

[0057] Additionally, at least one of the first frequency and the second frequency may include a frequency for heating the cover glass (300). That is, the cover glass (300) can be heated by vibrating at least one of the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420). As the cover glass (300) is heated, moisture or frost formed on the cover glass (300) can be effectively removed.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing foreign matter moving to the central area of ​​the cover glass, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing foreign matter condensing, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing foreign matter being separated from the cover glass.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 9, the first vibration element (410) can generate vibrations at a first frequency to move foreign matter (DT) attached to the cover glass (300) to the center area of ​​the cover glass (300).

[0060] The control unit (500) can cause the first vibration element (410) to generate vibration at a first frequency that causes foreign substances (DT) attached to the cover glass (300) to move to the center area of ​​the cover glass (300). As the cover glass (300) vibrates by the first vibration element (410), foreign substances (DT) sporadically attached to the cover glass (300) can move to the center area of ​​the cover glass (300).

[0061] Referring to FIG. 10, the second vibration element (420) can generate vibrations at a second frequency to condense foreign substances (DT).

[0062] After the foreign substance (DT) is moved to the center area of ​​the cover glass (300) by the first vibration element (410), the control unit (500) can operate the second vibration element (420). Accordingly, the foreign substance (DT) gathered in the center area of ​​the cover glass (300) can be condensed into a single mass.

[0063] As described above, the control unit (500) can alternately operate the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420). As the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element are alternately operated, foreign substances (DT) attached to the cover glass (300) can be moved to the central area of ​​the cover glass (300), and a plurality of foreign substances (DT) can be condensed into one.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 11, the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) can generate vibrations at a third frequency to separate foreign substances (DT) from the cover glass (300).

[0065] When it is determined that the condensation of foreign substances (DT) is sufficiently performed, the control unit (500) can control the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) so that the foreign substances (DT) are separated. The third frequency may be a frequency for vibrating the central region of the cover glass (300) with a large amplitude.

[0066] Alternatively, the control unit (500) may cause the first vibration element (410) to generate vibration according to a first frequency, then cause the second vibration element (420) to generate vibration according to a second frequency, and then cause the first vibration element (410) and the second vibration element (420) to generate vibration according to a third frequency. In this case, the movement, condensation, and separation of foreign substances (DT) can be performed repeatedly.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an image capturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of B-B' in FIG. 12.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, an image capturing device (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a camera (600), a cover plate (700), a cover glass (800), a vibration element (900), a control unit (1000), and a heating wire (1100).

[0069] A camera (600) can receive external light and generate an image. To receive external light more effectively, the camera (600) may be equipped with a lens unit (620). The lens unit (620) may include a lens holder (621) and a lens (622). The lens holder (621) may be coupled to the camera body (610) to support the lens (622). The lens (622) may be positioned on the path of external light incident on the camera body (610) to concentrate the external light. A cover plate (700) may be coupled to the camera (600). For example, the cover plate (700) may be coupled to the lens unit (620) of the camera (600). A cover glass (800) is provided on the cover plate (700) and can transmit external light to the lens unit (620) of the camera (600). The vibration element (900) may include a first vibration element (910) and a second vibration element (920). The first vibration element (910) and the second vibration element (920) may be placed in close contact with the cover glass (800) to vibrate the cover glass (800). The control unit (1000) may control the first vibration element (910) and the second vibration element (920). Since the form and function of the camera (600), cover plate (700), cover glass (800), vibration element (900), and control unit (1000) are identical or similar to the form and function of the camera (100), cover plate (200), cover glass (300), vibration element (400), and control unit (500) described above, the following description will focus on the differences.

[0070] The heating wire (1100) can heat the cover glass (800) by being in close contact with it. The heating wire (1100) may be composed of a conductor having a constant resistance. The heating wire (1100) may generate heat as power is input. The heating wire (1100) may be placed on the inner surface of the cover glass (800). That is, the heating wire (1100) may be provided in the inner space of the cover plate (700) without being exposed to the outside. However, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the heating wire (1100) may be placed on the outer surface of the cover glass (800).

[0071] The heating element (1100) may be placed in an area of ​​the entire cover glass (800) that does not interfere with external light incident on the lens portion (620). For example, the heating element (1100) may be placed in the shape of a circular ring along the edge of the cover glass (800). Accordingly, external light can be incident on the camera without being interfered with by the heating element (1100). FIG. 13 illustrates a heating element (1100) having the shape of a circular ring, but according to some embodiments of the present invention, the heating element (1100) may be provided in the shape of a polygonal ring.

[0072] As the cover glass (800) is heated by the heating element (1100), moisture or frost formed on the cover glass (800) can be effectively removed.

[0073] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0074] 10, 20: Video recording device 100, 600: Camera 110, 610: Camera body 120, 620: Lens unit 121, 621: Lens holder 122, 622: Lens 200, 700: Cover plate 300, 800: Cover glass 400, 900: Vibration elements 410, 411, 910: First vibration elements 420, 421, 920; 2nd vibration element 500, 1000: control unit 1100: Heating element

Claims

Claim 1 An image capturing device comprising: a camera; a cover plate protecting the camera; a cover glass disposed in front of the camera; first and second vibration elements disposed on the cover glass and vibrating at different frequencies; and a control unit for controlling the first vibration element and the second vibration element to vibrate at a first frequency and a second frequency, respectively, or for controlling the first vibration element and the second vibration element to vibrate at a third frequency, wherein the first frequency includes a frequency for moving a plurality of foreign substances sporadically attached to the cover glass to a central region of the cover glass, the second frequency includes a frequency for condensing a plurality of foreign substances moved to the central region of the cover glass, and the third frequency includes a frequency for separating foreign substances attached to the cover glass from the cover glass. Claim 2 In claim 1, the image capturing device wherein the first vibration element and the second vibration element are positioned so as not to interfere with the visible area of ​​the camera. Claim 3 In claim 1, the image capturing device wherein the first vibration element and the second vibration element are arranged in the form of a ring on the cover glass. Claim 4 In claim 3, an image capturing device wherein one of the first vibration element and the second vibration element is positioned to surround the other. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 An imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first frequency includes the resonance frequency of the first vibration element and the second frequency includes the resonance frequency of the second vibration element. Claim 7 In claim 1, the control unit is an image capturing device that alternately operates the first vibration element and the second vibration element. Claim 8 In claim 7, the control unit is an image capturing device that causes one of the first vibration element and the second vibration element to start operating when the other one ends operating. Claim 9 In claim 7, the first operating time from when the first vibration element starts operating until when the operation ends, and the second operating time from when the second vibration element starts operating until when the operation ends, are the same or different in the imaging device. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 An image capturing device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first frequency and the second frequency includes a frequency for heating the cover glass. Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 In claim 1, the imaging device comprising a first vibration element and a second vibration element, wherein the first vibration element and the second vibration element comprise a piezo ceramic element. Claim 16 An image capturing device according to claim 1, further comprising a heating wire that heats the cover glass in close contact with the cover glass.

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