Self-cleaning method for camera lens, and device

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention are a self-cleaning method for a camera lens, and a device. The method comprises: enabling a lens to be located between a lens assembly ring and a lens assembly of a camera body, wherein the positions of the camera body and the lens assembly ring are relatively fixed, and the lens assembly ring maintains contact with the surface of the lens; and by moving the lens relative to the lens assembly ring, using the lens assembly ring to scrape off foreign matter attached to the outer surface of the lens. The device comprises a camera body; one end of the camera body is provided with a lens assembly; a lens assembly ring is provided in front of the lens assembly; a lens is provided between the lens assembly and the lens assembly ring; the positions of the lens assembly ring and the camera body are relatively fixed; the lens assembly ring is in contact with the outer surface of the lens; and a lens driving mechanism for driving the lens to move relative to the lens assembly ring is connected to the camera body by means of a support. According to the present invention, normal operation of a camera would not be affected while removing foreign matter such as rainwater and grit / mud on a lens, and the present invention can be widely applied to cameras such as a vehicle camera, a sports camera, and a field surveillance camera.

Description

Camera lens self-cleaning method and device Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cameras, and in particular to a camera lens self-cleaning method and device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, cars are often equipped with cameras outside (e.g., at the rear) to meet user needs. Driving in harsh environments, such as rain or muddy roads, can cause rain and mud to cling to the camera lens, obstructing the camera's image quality and potentially causing accidents.

[0003] Currently, in order to remove raindrops attached to camera lenses, some products use heating to make the rainwater on the lens evaporate as quickly as possible, but they cannot effectively remove mud and sand on the lens, especially on rainy days when mud and sand are more easily splashed on the road, resulting in unsatisfactory lens cleaning effect.

[0004] In addition to car cameras, outdoor sports cameras and surveillance cameras are also prone to having foreign objects such as rain or mud stuck on their lenses, and they have the same usage difficulties as car cameras. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a camera lens self-cleaning method and device, which can quickly remove foreign matter such as rainwater and mud and sand on the lens.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a self-cleaning method for a camera lens, wherein the lens is located between a lens ring and the lens of a camera body, the positions of the camera body and the lens ring are relatively fixed, and the lens ring maintains contact with the surface of the lens; by moving the lens relative to the lens ring, the lens ring is used to scrape off foreign matter attached to the outer surface of the lens.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the lens moves relative to the lens ring under the drive of the lens driving mechanism.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outer surface of the lens is a plane, and when the lens moves relative to the lens ring, the plane where the moving path of the lens lies is parallel to the outer surface of the lens.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outer surface of the lens is a plane, and the lens moves back and forth in a straight line relative to the lens ring.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outer surface of the lens is a plane, and the lens rotates relative to the lens ring.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outer surface of the lens is a spherical surface, and the lens rotates relative to the lens ring.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outer surface of the lens is a curved surface, and the lens moves in an arc shape relative to the lens ring.

[0013] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention also provides a camera lens self-cleaning device, including a camera body, a lens is provided at one end of the camera body, a lens ring is provided in front of the lens, a lens is provided between the lens and the lens ring, the positions of the lens ring and the camera body are relatively fixed, and the lens ring is in contact with the outer surface of the lens; the camera body is connected to a lens driving mechanism through a bracket to drive the lens to move relative to the lens ring.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the camera body includes two oppositely arranged slide grooves, the two side edges of the lens are slidably engaged with the slide grooves, and the lens driving mechanism drives the lens to move back and forth in a straight line.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the lens driving mechanism includes an eccentric wheel, a swing arm and a first driving device arranged on the camera body. The power shaft of the first driving device is linked to the eccentric wheel, one end of the eccentric wheel is hinged to one end of the swing arm, and the other end of the swing arm is hinged to the lens.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outer surface of the lens is a plane, and the lens is connected to the camera body in a relatively rotatable manner.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, an annular protrusion is provided on the outer side of the lens of the camera body; the lens driving mechanism includes a second driving device, a first driving gear and a first driven gear ring that are linked in sequence, the middle part of the first driven gear ring is hollowed out and the lens is installed thereon; the hollowed-out middle part of the first driven gear ring is rotatably connected to the annular protrusion of the camera body.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outer surface of the lens is spherical, the lens driving mechanism includes a third driving device, the power output end of the third driving device is linked to the lens, and the outer surface of the lens rotates relative to the lens ring.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outer surface of the lens is an arc surface, the lens driving mechanism includes a fourth driving device, the power output end of the fourth driving device is movably connected to the lens, and the outer surface of the lens moves in an arc shape relative to the lens.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, the lens ring is made of a wear-resistant and elastic soft rubber material, and the lens ring is in close contact with the lens.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, the camera body is provided with an end cover adapted thereto, the end cover is provided with a through hole, and the lens ring is arranged on the through hole of the end cover. Beneficial effects

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the camera lens self-cleaning method and device of the present invention are:

[0023] 1. When rainwater or mud gets on the lens, the lens drive mechanism moves the lens relative to the lens ring, allowing the ring to scrape the water or mud off the lens. Since the lens ring remains fixedly aligned with the camera's lens during movement, it doesn't obstruct the lens, allowing the camera to capture images of the external environment and reducing the risk of accidents. Compared to methods that use wipers to remove rainwater and mud with fixed lenses, this method not only provides better cleaning results but also ensures that the camera maintains a clear and complete image during the cleaning process. This also improves safety when used on automotive cameras.

[0024] 2. Sealing rings are installed between the lens and the lens ring, and between the lens and the lens. These not only ensure that rainwater and sand on the lens are scraped away, but also prevent rainwater from entering the camera body and damaging it. The lens ring can be made of a wear-resistant and aging-resistant soft rubber material to provide a waterproof seal.

[0025] The present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are used to illustrate embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0027] FIG1 is a perspective view of a camera lens cleaning device according to Example 1;

[0028] FIG2 is a front view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 1 without the end cover;

[0029] FIG3 is an exploded view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 1;

[0030] FIG4 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 1;

[0031] FIG5 is a front view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 2;

[0032] FIG6 is an exploded view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 2;

[0033] FIG7 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 2;

[0034] FIG8 is an exploded view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 3;

[0035] FIG9 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the camera lens cleaning device according to Example 3;

[0036] FIG10 is a second bottom cross-sectional view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 3

[0037] FIG11 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 4;

[0038] FIG12 is an exploded view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 5;

[0039] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the camera lens cleaning device of Example 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Specific embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, include a camera lens cleaning device comprising a camera body 4, with a lens 1 disposed at one end, a lens ring 3 disposed in front of the lens 1, and a transparent lens 2 disposed between the lens 1 and the lens ring 3. The lens ring 3 and the camera body 4 are relatively fixed in position, and the lens ring 3 maintains contact with the outer surface of the lens 2. The camera body 4 is connected to a lens drive mechanism 5 via a bracket, which drives the lens 2 to move relative to the lens ring 3. The lens 1 and the lens ring 3 are always aligned. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the lens 2 is flat.

[0043] The camera body 4 includes two oppositely arranged slide grooves 41 , and the two side edges of the lens 2 slide in the slide grooves 41 , and the lens driving mechanism 5 drives the lens 2 to move back and forth in a straight line.

[0044] The lens drive mechanism 5 includes an eccentric wheel 52, a swing arm 53, and a first drive device 51 mounted on the camera body 4. The power shaft of the first drive device 51 is linked to the eccentric wheel 52. One end of the eccentric wheel 52 is hingedly connected to one end of the swing arm 53, and the other end of the swing arm 53 is hingedly connected to the lens 2. In this embodiment, the first drive device 51 is a motor mounted within the camera body 4. The first drive device 51 rotates the eccentric wheel 52, which, through the swing arm 53, drives the lens 2 to move linearly back and forth relative to the lens ring 3. The lens ring 3 scrapes off rainwater and mud and sand adhering to the lens 2. During this process, the lens ring 3 does not obstruct the lens 1. Therefore, compared to methods that use a fixed lens and a wiper to remove rainwater and mud, this method not only improves cleaning effectiveness but also ensures that the camera continuously captures clear and complete images during the cleaning process. This method also improves safety when used in automotive cameras.

[0045] The camera body 4 is provided with an end cover 8 that is snapped together with it. The end cover 8 is provided with a through hole. The lens ring 3 is arranged on the through hole of the end cover 8. Specifically, the outer edge of the lens ring 3 is provided with an annular groove, and the annular groove of the lens ring 3 is snap-fitted with the through hole of the end cover 8.

[0046] In this embodiment, the lens ring 3 is made of a wear-resistant and elastic soft rubber material. The lens ring 3 is in close contact with the lens 2 and simultaneously scrapes away foreign matter from the outer surface of the lens 2 and seals it. In addition to this embodiment, the lens ring 3 can also be made of a hard material and be provided with a sealing ring that contacts the lens 2.

[0047] The self-cleaning method of the camera lens is as follows: by allowing the lens 2 to move back and forth in a straight line relative to the rear end surface of the lens ring 3, the edge of the lens ring 3 is used to scrape off rainwater or mud and sand attached to the outer surface of the lens 2.

[0048] In addition to the above embodiments, the lens driving mechanism 5 may also use an electromagnet or a linear motor to drive the lens 2 to move back and forth linearly relative to the lens ring 3 .

[0049] Example 2

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 to 7 , the difference from Example 1 is that the lens 1 is relatively fixed to the camera body 4, the lens 2 is connected to the camera body 4 for relative rotation, and the lens ring 3 is arranged eccentrically relative to the rotation axis of the lens 2. Specifically, the rotation axis of the lens 2 and the center line of the lens ring 3 are parallel and staggered. The outer surface of the lens 2 is a plane.

[0051] In this embodiment, an annular protrusion 43 is provided on the outer side of the lens 1 of the camera body 4. The lens drive mechanism 5 comprises a second drive device 54, a first driving gear 55, and a first driven ring gear 56, which are sequentially linked. The first driven ring gear 56 has a hollowed-out center portion and is mounted with the lens 2. The hollowed-out center portion of the first driven ring gear 56 is rotatably engaged with the annular protrusion 43 of the camera body 4. The first driving gear 55 meshes with the first driven ring gear 56. The inner side of the hollowed-out center portion of the first driven ring gear 56 is rotatably engaged with the annular protrusion 43 of the camera body 4.

[0052] The second drive device 54 is a motor installed in the camera body 4, and its power output shaft is connected to the first driving gear 55. When the second drive device 54 drives the first driving gear 55 to rotate, the first driving gear 55 drives the lens 2 to rotate relative to the lens ring 3 via the first driven ring gear 56, and the lens ring 3 is used to scrape off rainwater and mud and sand adhering to the lens 2. During this process, the lens ring 3 does not block the lens 1.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the difference from Examples 1 and 2 is that the outer surface of lens 2 is spherical, which can be used in fisheye lenses. Lens 2 rotates relative to lens ring 3, where the rotation axis of lens 2 intersects the centerline of lens ring 3 and is preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0055] The camera body 4 is provided with a spherical groove 42 adapted to fit the lens 2. The lens drive mechanism 5 includes a third drive unit 57, which is a motor mounted on the camera body 4. Its power output shaft is connected to one side of the lens 2, and the spherical outer surface of the lens 2 contacts the rear end of the lens ring 3. When the power output shaft of the third drive unit 57 drives the lens 2 to rotate, the lens 2 moves relative to the lens ring 3, thereby using the lens ring 3 to scrape away foreign matter adhering to the outer surface of the lens 2.

[0056] The lens 2, which has a spherical outer surface, can be a small portion of a spherical sheet as shown in FIG8 , or a complete spherical structure as shown in FIG10 . The outer surface of the spherical lens 2 contacts the lens ring 3 , and the center of the spherical lens 2 is located on the axis of the rotating shaft at the output end of the third drive device 57 .

[0057] Example 4

[0058] As shown in Figure 11, the difference from Examples 1 and 2 lies in that the outer surface of lens 2 is curved, and lens 2 moves in an arc relative to lens ring 3. Lens ring 3 is provided with an arcuate groove 31, and the two side edges of lens 2 slide in and out of the arcuate groove 31. The lens drive mechanism 5 includes a fourth drive device 58, which is connected to the camera body 4 via a bracket.

[0059] The power output end of the fourth drive device 58 is movably connected to the lens 2. In this embodiment, a strip groove 581 is provided at the power output end of the fourth drive device 58, the length of which is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the power output end. A sliding shaft 21 is provided at one end of the lens 2, which slides in engagement with the strip groove 581. When the power output end of the fourth drive device 58 moves linearly and reciprocates, driving the lens 2 along the arcuate groove 31, the sliding shaft 21 slides on the strip groove 581, preventing the lens 2 from getting stuck.

[0060] In addition, when the power output end of the fourth driving device 58 is movably connected to the lens 2, the strip groove 581 may not be used. Instead, a connecting rod may be provided between the power output end of the fourth driving device 58 and the lens 2. The connecting rod and the lens 2, as well as the connecting rod and the power output end of the fourth driving device 58, are hinged. It is also possible to achieve that when the power output end of the fourth driving device 58 moves back and forth in a straight line, the lens 2 is driven to slide along the arc-shaped slide groove 31.

[0061] Example 5

[0062] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, this embodiment differs from Example 2 in that the lens 1 and lens 2 are relatively fixed and coaxially arranged. A photosensitive chip 7 is mounted on the camera body 4, fixed relative to the lens 1, lens 2, and lens ring 3. The photosensitive chip 7, lens 1, lens 2, and lens ring 3 are arranged in this order, with the photosensitive chip 7 facing the lens ring 3. The rotation axis of the lens 1 and the centerline of the lens ring 3 are offset. The lens drive mechanism 5 comprises a fifth drive device 591, a second driving gear 592, and a second driven ring gear 593, which are sequentially linked. The second driving gear 592 meshes with the second driven ring gear 593. The second driven ring gear 593 has a hollowed-out center portion and is mounted with the lens 2 and lens 1. The second driven ring gear 593 rotates in conjunction with the camera body 4. Specifically, a cylindrical sleeve structure at one end of the second driven ring gear 593 rotates in engagement with a circular groove in the camera body 4. The camera body 4 is provided with an end cap 8, which engages with the end cap 8. The end cap 8 has a through hole, and the lens ring 3 is mounted in the through hole of the end cap 8. The fifth drive device 591 is a motor mounted on the camera body 4. When in use, this structure ensures that even if both the lens 1 and the lens element 2 rotate relative to the photosensitive chip 7, causing the lens ring 3 to scrape rainwater or sand off the lens element 2, the imaging focal position of the lens 1 does not change during this process, ensuring that the photosensitive chip 7 continues to obtain a clear optical image through the lens ring 3.

[0063] In addition to the above-mentioned embodiments of linear reciprocating movement and rotational movement, the lens 2 can also move in any other direction and any path relative to the lens ring 3 (for example, the path is elliptical, triangular, etc.). As long as the lens ring 3 can scrape off foreign matter on the surface of the lens 2, the corresponding self-cleaning function can be achieved.

[0064] In the above embodiments, both lens 2 and lens 1 are part of the device's optical assembly, with lens 2 positioned at the very front end of the assembly. Depending on the needs, lens 2 can be moved relative to lens 1, as in the embodiments 1-4 above. Alternatively, lens 2 can be fixed relative to lens 1, as in embodiment 5. When both lens 2 and lens 1 are moved simultaneously relative to lens ring 3, lens ring 3 can also scrape off rainwater or sand from the lens.

[0065] The present invention has been described above in conjunction with the best embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above, but should cover various modifications and equivalent combinations based on the essence of the present invention.

Claims

1. A camera lens self-cleaning method, characterized in that: The lens (2) is positioned between the lens ring (3) and the lens (1) of the camera body (4), the camera body (4) and the lens ring (3) are relatively fixed, and the lens ring (3) maintains contact with the surface of the lens (2); by moving the lens (2) relative to the lens ring (3), the lens ring (3) is used to scrape off foreign matter attached to the outer surface of the lens (2).

2. A camera lens self-cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the lens (2) is a plane, and when the lens (2) moves relative to the lens ring (3), the plane on which the moving path of the lens (2) lies is parallel to the outer surface of the lens (2).

3. A camera lens self-cleaning method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The outer surface of the lens (2) is a plane, and the lens (2) moves back and forth in a straight line relative to the lens ring (3).

4. A camera lens self-cleaning method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The outer surface of the lens (2) is a plane, and the lens (2) rotates relative to the lens ring (3).

5. A camera lens self-cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the lens (2) is a spherical surface, and the lens (2) rotates relative to the lens ring (3).

6. A camera lens self-cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the lens (2) is a curved surface, and the lens (2) moves in an arc shape relative to the lens ring (3).

7. A camera lens self-cleaning device, comprising a camera body (4), one end of which is provided with a lens (1), characterized in that: A lens ring (3) is provided at the front of the lens (1), a lens (2) is provided between the lens (1) and the lens ring (3), the positions of the lens ring (3) and the camera body (4) are relatively fixed, and the lens ring (3) is in contact with the outer surface of the lens (2); the camera body (4) is connected to a lens driving mechanism (5) via a bracket for driving the lens (2) to move relative to the lens ring (3).

8. A camera lens self-cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The camera body (4) includes a slide groove (41), the edge of the lens (2) is slidably engaged with the slide groove (41), and the lens driving mechanism (5) drives the lens (2) to move back and forth in a straight line.

9. A camera lens self-cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lens driving mechanism (5) comprises an eccentric wheel (52), a swing arm (53) and a first driving device (51) arranged on the camera body (4); a power shaft of the first driving device (51) is linked to the eccentric wheel (52); one end of the eccentric wheel (52) is hinged to one end of the swing arm (53); and the other end of the swing arm (53) is hinged to the lens (2).

10. The camera lens self-cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer surface of the lens (2) is a plane, and the lens (2) is connected to the camera body (4) in a relatively rotatable manner.

11. A camera lens self-cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The lens (1) is relatively fixed to the camera body (4); an annular protrusion (43) is provided on the outer side of the lens (1) of the camera body (4); the lens driving mechanism (5) comprises a second driving device (54), a first driving gear (55) and a first driven gear ring (56) which are linked in sequence, the middle part of the first driven gear ring (56) being hollowed out and on which the lens (2) is mounted; the hollowed-out middle part of the first driven gear ring (56) is rotatably sleeved with the annular protrusion (43) of the camera body (4).

12. The camera lens self-cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The lens (1) and the lens (2) are relatively fixed and arranged coaxially. A photosensitive chip (7) is provided on the camera body (4) and is relatively fixed thereto. The photosensitive chip (7), the lens (1), the lens (2), and the lens ring (3) are arranged in sequence, and the photosensitive chip (7) faces the lens ring (3). The rotation axis of the lens (1) and the center line of the lens ring (3) are staggered. The lens driving mechanism (5) comprises a fifth driving device (591), a second driving gear (592), and a second driven gear ring (593) that are linked in sequence. The middle part of the second driven gear ring (593) is hollowed out and the lens (2) and the lens (1) are installed thereon. The second driven gear ring (593) is rotationally matched with the camera body (4).

13. The camera lens self-cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer surface of the lens (2) is a spherical surface. The lens driving mechanism (5) includes a third driving device (57). The power output end of the third driving device (57) is linked to the lens (2). The outer surface of the lens (2) rotates relative to the lens ring (3).

14. The camera lens self-cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer surface of the lens (2) is an arc surface. The lens driving mechanism (5) includes a fourth driving device (58). The power output end of the fourth driving device (58) is movably connected to the lens (2). The outer surface of the lens (2) moves in an arc relative to the lens ring (3).

15. A camera lens self-cleaning device according to any one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that: The lens ring (3) is made of a wear-resistant and elastic soft rubber material. The lens ring (3) is in close contact with the lens (2) and simultaneously serves to scrape away foreign matter on the outer surface of the lens (2) and to seal.

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