JP4238063B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus provided with a wiper mechanism for removing deposits such as dust and water droplets attached to an imaging window.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventional imaging devices applied to airplanes, ships, etc. include an imaging means such as a camera or a video camera stored in a housing and performs imaging through an imaging window provided in the housing. Installed in environmental conditions. Such an imaging apparatus is provided with a gimbal mechanism that is a rotating shaft mechanism for maintaining space stability. Infrared rays or visible rays are used for photographing by the imaging means. When infrared rays are used, even if dust or water droplets adhere to the photographing window, the photographing is hardly hindered. However, when visible light is used, the visibility decreases due to dust or water droplets adhering to the shooting window, and an image according to the performance of the imaging means cannot be obtained. The image pickup apparatus is provided with a wiper mechanism for removing deposits such as dust and water droplets attached to the shooting window. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional marine imaging apparatus to which visible light is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 10 is roughly composed of a housing 11, a wiper 12, a shooting window 13, a video camera (not shown), and a wiper driving motor (not shown). ing. In the housing 11, a video camera and a wiper driving motor are disposed. A wiper 12 is formed in the housing 11. The wiper 12 is driven by a wiper driving motor to remove deposits such as dust and water droplets adhering to the photographing window 13. In addition, an imaging device for an aircraft has a large influence on the flight performance of an aircraft that flies at a high speed, and therefore it is desired to reduce the size and weight.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-303471 [0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to drive the wiper 12 by applying the imaging device 10 shown in FIG. 1 to an aircraft, a wiper driving motor having a torque larger than the air resistance experienced by an aircraft flying at high speed is required. Such a wiper driving motor is very large and increases in weight, which has a problem of adversely affecting the flight performance of the aircraft.
[0005]
In addition, since imaging devices mounted on ships, aircrafts, etc. are equipped with a gimbal mechanism for maintaining space stability, the center of gravity of the drive shafts is brought close to the position that becomes the center of rotation to achieve a good balance. There is a need to. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to install a large and heavy mass wiper driving motor in the housing 11 and to maintain space stability.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an imaging apparatus capable of removing deposits such as dust and water droplets attached to an imaging window by a wiper mechanism without impairing space stability performance. For the purpose.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is characterized by the following measures.
[0008]
According to an aspect of the present invention, the imaging window, a housing member provided with the imaging window, a support member that rotatably supports the housing member, and the housing member are rotated so as to perform the imaging. In an imaging apparatus comprising a drive means for controlling the orientation of the window and a wiper mechanism for removing deposits adhering to the imaging window , a gap is provided between the wiper blade of the wiper mechanism and the housing member. The housing member is disposed so as to be able to drive from the interposed state to a state in contact with the imaging window, and the housing member is rotated in a state in which the wiper blade is in contact with the imaging window. the wiper blade is moved is located on the imaging window in contact, the imaging device is provided characterized in that the deposit of the window imaging is so as to be removed by the It is.
[0009]
According to the above invention, the driving means for controlling the orientation of the imaging window rotates the housing member, so that the wiper mechanism removes deposits on the imaging window using the rotation of the housing member as a driving source. be able to. Therefore, a desired image can be taken through the imaging window from which the deposit is removed. Further, the imaging window is rotated by the driving means and moved to the position of the wiper mechanism. Therefore, the extraneous matter on the imaging window can be removed by the wiper mechanism without separately providing a driving means for driving the wiper mechanism.
[0010]
Moreover, you may provide the cam mechanism which transmits the rotational motion of the said housing member to the said wiper blade.
[0012]
The cam mechanism may include a cam that rotates integrally with the housing member, and a driving force transmission unit that drives the wiper mechanism by transmitting a rotational movement of the cam to the wiper blade.
[0014]
Further, the wiper mechanism is formed on the support member formed in an area outside the imaging range of the support member, and a protective cover for protecting the wiper mechanism is provided on the support member. It may be formed.
[0015]
As a result, the wiper mechanism is formed on the support member formed in a region outside the imaging range of the support member, so that the wiper mechanism can take an image without entering the field of view when shooting. Further, by forming a protective cover for protecting the wiper mechanism on the support member, it is possible to prevent the wiper mechanism from being damaged due to air pressure from the outside air, collision of an object, or the like.
[0016]
The temperature of the atmosphere in which the wiper mechanism is installed, when lower than a predetermined temperature, a driving limiting means for limiting the driving of the wiper mechanism may be set only.
[0017]
Thus, by providing the drive restricting means for restricting the drive of the wiper mechanism, the drive restricting means restricts the drive of the wiper mechanism when the temperature of the atmosphere in which the wiper mechanism is installed falls below a predetermined temperature. Thus, the wiper mechanism can be prevented from being damaged due to a decrease in temperature.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. With reference to FIG. 2 thru | or 4, the imaging device 20 of the present Example of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image pickup apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a view of the image pickup apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4 is a view of the area where the wiper mechanism is formed with the yoke portion removed, and FIG. 5 is a view of the wiper mechanism shown in FIG. 2 to 5, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Further, H shown in FIGS. 3 to 4 indicates the traveling direction of the aircraft (hereinafter, the traveling direction H).
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging device 20 generally includes a pitch axis drive housing 21, a video camera (not shown) using visible light, drive means (not shown), a cam 23, and a pitch axis. The support yoke 25 and the wiper mechanism 28 are configured. The imaging device 20 is provided with a gimbal mechanism for maintaining the space stability performance of the imaging device 20. As shown in FIG. 3, an imaging window 22 and a cam 23 which is a driving node of a cam mechanism are integrally formed in a pitch axis drive housing 21 which is a housing member.
[0020]
In the pitch axis drive housing 21, a video camera (not shown) for taking an image and a drive means (not shown) for rotating the pitch axis drive housing 21 are integrally formed. The video camera is for taking an image through the imaging window 22. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the video camera is shooting in the direction B. The driving means is for controlling the direction (imaging direction) of the imaging window 22 by rotating the pitch axis drive housing 21. The drive means is configured to be able to rotate the pitch axis drive housing 21 in the E direction (pitch direction) shown in FIG.
[0021]
Due to the rotation of the pitch axis drive housing 21, the imaging window 22 and the cam 23 rotate together. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, the cam 23 has a convex portion 23 </ b> A. In addition, regions 23B and 23C where no convex portions are formed are disposed on both sides of the convex portion 23A. The convex portion 23 </ b> A is for pushing up a later-described roller 35 to bring the wiper blade 42 into contact with the imaging window 22. The pitch shaft support yoke 24, which is a support member, includes a support body 25, a fairing 26, and a yoke portion 27. The support portion main body 25 is disposed on the aircraft body 19 in a state in which the support portion main body 25 can rotate in the G direction about the yaw axis F as a rotation axis.
[0022]
The yoke portion 27 supports the pitch shaft drive housing 21 so as to be rotatable in the E direction (pitch direction), and is integrally formed with the support portion main body 25. The support body 25 is formed with a fairing 26 that is a protective cover for protecting the wiper mechanism 28. In this way, by forming the fairing 26 on the support body 25, the air pressure received from the direction C opposite to the aircraft traveling direction H, the collision with an object (for example, a bird) existing in the flight region, etc. It is possible to prevent the wiper mechanism 28 from being damaged.
[0023]
Next, the position and configuration where the wiper mechanism 28 is provided will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, the wiper mechanism 28 is disposed on a pitch axis support yoke 24 formed in a region 50 outside the imaging range of the video camera. In this manner, by forming the wiper mechanism 28 in the region 50 outside the imaging range of the video camera, the video camera can perform shooting without being obstructed by the wiper mechanism 28. As shown in FIG. 5, the wiper mechanism 28 generally includes a wiper portion 39, a cam mechanism 48, and drive restriction means 55.
[0024]
The wiper portion 39 is generally composed of a wiper blade support arm 40, a torsion spring 54, and a wiper blade 42. The wiper blade support arm 40 includes a wiper blade mounting portion 43, support arms 41 and 47, a flange 46, and a rotation shaft 49. A wiper blade attachment portion 43 is integrally formed at one end of the support arms 41 and 47, and a wiper blade 42 is formed at the wiper blade attachment portion 43. The wiper blade 42 is made of rubber and is used to remove deposits such as dust and water droplets on the imaging window 22 when the wiper blade 42 is brought into contact with the imaging window 22.
[0025]
The support arm 41 is formed with an opening 41A into which a solenoid movable shaft 60A described later is fitted. The rotary shaft 49 is formed integrally with the support arms 41 and 47 so as to penetrate the support arms 41 and 47, and is connected to the rotary shaft support arm 52 and the support arm 41 via a torsion spring 54. A flange 46 is formed on the rotating shaft 49 on the cam mechanism 48 side. The rotating shaft 49 is rotatably supported by two sliding bearings 53, and the sliding bearing 53 is supported by two rotating shaft support arms 51 and 52 provided on the support body 25. The rotating shaft 49 rotates to bring the wiper blade 42 into contact with the imaging window 22 when a driving force is applied from the cam mechanism 48.
[0026]
Next, the cam mechanism 48 will be described. The cam mechanism 48 includes a cam 23 that is a driving node and a driving force transmission unit 34 that is a driven node. The cam 23 is for giving the driving force transmission part 34 rotational movement when the pitch axis drive housing 21 is driven to rotate. This rotational motion becomes a driving source when driving the wiper mechanism 28. The driving force transmission unit 34 is generally composed of a roller 35, a rotating shaft 36, a driving force transmission arm 37, a spherical bearing 44, and a torsion spring 45.
[0027]
A spherical bearing 44 is formed at one end of the driving force transmission arm 37, and a roller 35 is formed at the other end so as to be rotatably supported by the rotary shaft 36. The roller 35 is in contact with the cam 23 in a state where sliding motion is possible. A torsion spring 45 is disposed on a rotating shaft 49 formed between the flange 46 and the spherical bearing 44. One end of the torsion spring 45 is fixed to the flange 46, and the other end is driven. The force transmission arm 37 is fixed. The torsion spring 45 connects the rotating shaft 49 in a state where the driving force from the driving force transmitting arm 37 can be transmitted, and drives the driving force which is a rotational motion when the pitch axis driving housing 21 is driven. The force transmission unit 34 can be applied to the wiper unit 39.
[0028]
Thus, by using the rotational motion when the pitch axis drive housing 21 is driven as a drive source of the wiper mechanism 28, the wiper mechanism 28 is driven without providing a separate drive means for driving the wiper mechanism 28. The configuration of the imaging device 20 can be simplified as compared with an imaging device having a conventional drive motor, and the imaging device 20 can be reduced in size and weight. Further, by connecting the driving force transmission arm 37 and the rotary shaft 49 via the torsion spring 45, foreign matter such as dust exists on the contact surface between the roller 35 and the cam 23, and the driving force transmission arm 37 is present. When a driving force large enough to damage the wiper unit 39 is applied, the driving force transmitting arm 37 prevents the driving force transmission arm 37 from applying a large driving force to the wiper unit 39 by bending the torsion spring 45. Damage to the wiper portion 39 can be prevented.
[0029]
Next, the drive restricting means 55 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a view showing the wiper mechanism in a state where the operation of the wiper portion is restricted, and FIG. 7 is a view showing the imaging apparatus in a state where the operation of the wiper portion is restricted. As shown in FIG. 5, the drive restricting means 55 is constituted by a thermostat 57, a solenoid 60, a control device 63, and an opening 41 </ b> A formed in the support arm 41. A thermostat 57 as temperature detecting means is disposed in the support body 25 while being housed in the case 56.
[0030]
The thermostat 57 measures the temperature of the atmosphere in which the wiper unit 39 is installed, and transmits a detection signal to the control means 63 when the temperature of the wiper blade 42 is damaged, for example, lower than −30 degrees. is there. The thermostat 57 is connected to the control means 63 in a state where a detection signal can be transmitted. The temperature at which the wiper blade 42 breaks is not limited to a value of −30 degrees because it varies depending on the rubber material used when the wiper blade 42 is formed. A solenoid movable shaft 60 </ b> A is formed in the solenoid 60 that is a drive restricting means, and the solenoid 60 is formed in the support body 25 while being housed in a case 59.
[0031]
The solenoid movable shaft 60A is a shaft that can move in the I direction shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, the solenoid 60 extends the solenoid movable shaft 60A in the I direction when the temperature of the atmosphere in which the wiper unit 39 is installed falls below -30 degrees, The driving of the wiper unit 39 is restricted by fitting into the opening 41. When the driving of the wiper portion 39 is restricted by the solenoid movable shaft 60A and the pitch shaft drive housing 21 is rotated by the driving means, the roller 35 of the driving force transmitting portion 34 is cammed as shown in FIG. The driving force transmission unit 34 is driven to drive the wiper unit 39 by being pushed up by the convex portion 23 </ b> A of 23. However, since the drive of the wiper unit 39 is restricted, the torsion spring 45 is bent and the driving force from the driving force transmission unit 34 is not transmitted to the wiper unit 39, so that the wiper blade 42 contacts the imaging window 22. There is no. The control device 63 receives the detection signal from the thermostat 57 and controls the operation of the solenoid movable shaft 60 </ b> A formed on the solenoid 60.
[0032]
By providing the drive restricting means 55 configured in this way, when the temperature drops below the temperature at which the wiper blade 42 is damaged, the solenoid movable shaft 60A formed on the solenoid 60 is fitted into the opening 41, and the wiper portion Since the drive of 39 is restricted, even when the driving force transmission unit 34 is driven, the wiper blade 42 can be prevented from being damaged without being affected by the driving of the driving force transmission unit 34.
[0033]
Next, the operation of the wiper mechanism 28 when removing deposits such as dust and water droplets attached on the imaging window 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 is a diagram illustrating the imaging device before activation, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the imaging device during photographing, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the imaging device when the wiper mechanism is driven. As shown in FIG. 8, when the imaging device 20 is not activated, the wiper blade 42 is positioned above the imaging window 22 in the state in which the wiper blade 42 is not in contact with the imaging window 22.
[0034]
The imaging window 22 is located in a region 50 outside the imaging range of the video camera, and is blocked from the outside air by the pitch axis support yoke 24. Therefore, the imaging window 22 is contaminated by dust or water droplets from the outside air. Can be prevented. When the imaging device 20 is not activated, the roller 35 remains in contact with the region 23B of the cam 23, and the roller 35 does not move on the convex portion 23A formed on the cam 23. Is not driven.
[0035]
The imaging device 20 shown in FIG. 9 shows a state in which a video camera (not shown) is shooting in the direction B through the imaging window 22. By rotating the pitch axis drive housing 21 in the E1 direction (see FIG. 8) from the position of the imaging window 22 shown in FIG. 8 by driving means (not shown), the imaging window 22 is positioned at the position shown in FIG. Moved to. At this time, the video camera disposed in the pitch axis drive housing 21 is also rotated integrally with the pitch axis drive housing 21. The wiper blade 42 during photographing is in a state where a gap is interposed between the wiper blade 42 and the pitch axis drive housing 21. Further, the roller 35 is kept in contact with the region 23C of the cam 23, and the roller 35 does not move on the convex portion 23A formed on the cam 23. Therefore, the wiper mechanism 28 is not driven.
[0036]
The imaging apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 10 shows a state where the wiper mechanism 28 is driven, the wiper blade 42 is brought into contact with the imaging window 22, and the wiper blade 42 removes deposits attached to the imaging window. ing. As shown in FIG. 10, when removing deposits attached to the imaging window 22, the pitch axis drive housing 21 is rotated by the driving means, and the imaging window 22 reaches a position where it can come into contact with the wiper blade 42. Then, the roller 35 is pushed up by the convex portion 23 </ b> A of the cam 23, and the wiper blade 42 is brought into contact with the imaging window 22. In a state where the wiper blade 42 and the imaging window 22 are in contact with each other, the pitch axis drive housing 21 is rotated in the E direction by the driving means, and accordingly, the roller 35 reciprocates on the convex portion 23A of the cam 23. Further, when the pitch axis drive housing 21 is rotated in the E direction, the position on the imaging window 22 with which the wiper blade 42 contacts is moved, and the adhered matter adhering to the imaging window 22 is caused by the wiper blade 42. Removed. By taking a picture through the imaging window 22 from which the deposits are removed in this way, the video camera can obtain an image according to the performance of the video camera.
[0037]
By applying the above-described small-sized and light-weight imaging device 20 to an aircraft, it is possible to remove deposits such as dust and water droplets attached to the imaging window 22 without adversely affecting the space stability performance of the gimbal mechanism. The image according to the performance of the video camera can be taken through the imaging window 22.
[0038]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Deformation / change is possible. In this embodiment, the case where a video camera using visible light is applied to the imaging device 20 has been described as an example. However, a video camera to which infrared light is applied may be provided in the imaging device 20 of this embodiment. .
[0039]
In addition, regarding the above description, the following additional notes are disclosed.
[0040]
(Appendix 1) Imaging window;
A housing member provided with the imaging window;
A support member for rotatably supporting the housing member;
Drive means for rotating the housing member to control the orientation of the imaging window;
In an imaging apparatus provided with a wiper mechanism for removing deposits attached to the imaging window,
The said wiper mechanism removes the deposit | attachment on the said imaging window by rotation of the said housing member, The imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0041]
(Additional remark 2) The said imaging window is moved to the position of the said wiper mechanism by the said rotation, The imaging device of Additional remark 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0042]
(Supplementary note 3) The wiper mechanism includes an arm which is a subordinate clause,
A blade for removing the deposits;
A drive shaft that is integrally formed with the blade and that drives the blade under the drive of the arm;
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the drive shaft is connected to the arm via a torsion spring.
[0043]
(Additional remark 4) The said wiper mechanism is formed in the said supporting member formed in the area | region outside an imaging range among the said supporting members, The imaging device of any one of Additional remark 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. .
[0044]
(Supplementary Note 5) The imaging apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein a protective cover for protecting the wiper mechanism is formed on the support member.
[0045]
(Supplementary note 6) Any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 5, further comprising drive restriction means for restricting the drive of the wiper mechanism when the temperature of the atmosphere in which the wiper mechanism is installed falls below a predetermined temperature. The imaging apparatus of Claim 1.
[0046]
(Additional remark 7) The said drive control means is
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the atmosphere;
A drive regulation mechanism for regulating the drive of the wiper mechanism;
Control means for controlling the operation of the drive restriction mechanism,
When the temperature of the atmosphere from the temperature detection unit is lower than the temperature at which the wiper mechanism becomes incapable of functioning, the control unit controls the drive of the wiper mechanism by the drive restriction mechanism. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 6.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the driving means for controlling the orientation of the imaging window rotates the housing member, the wiper mechanism uses the rotation of the housing member as a driving source to deposit on the imaging window. Can be removed. Therefore, a desired image can be taken through the imaging window from which the deposit is removed. Further, the imaging window is rotated by the driving means and moved to the position of the wiper mechanism. Therefore, the extraneous matter on the imaging window can be removed by the wiper mechanism without separately providing a driving means for driving the wiper mechanism.
[0049]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the wiper mechanism is formed on the support member formed in an area outside the imaging range of the support member, so that the wiper mechanism does not enter the field of view when shooting, and the shooting is performed. It can be performed. Further, by providing the protective cover, it is possible to prevent the wiper mechanism from being damaged due to air pressure from the outside air, collision of an object, or the like.
[0051]
According to the invention of claim 5, when the temperature of the atmosphere in which the wiper mechanism is installed falls below a predetermined temperature, the wiper mechanism can be prevented from being damaged by the drive restricting means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional imaging apparatus to which visible light for ships is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an imaging apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view of the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a view of a region where a wiper mechanism is formed with the yoke portion removed, as viewed from A;
5 is a view of the wiper mechanism shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from D. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a view showing the wiper mechanism in a state where the operation of the wiper portion is restricted.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the imaging apparatus in a state where the operation of the wiper unit is restricted.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an imaging apparatus before activation.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an imaging apparatus during shooting.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an imaging apparatus when a wiper mechanism is driven.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 20 Imaging device 11 Wiper 13 Visible light window 19 Airframe 21 Pitch axis drive housing 22 Imaging window 23 Cam 23A Convex part 23B, 23C, 50 Area 24 Pitch axis support yoke 25 Support part main body 26 Fairing 27 Yoke part 28 Wiper mechanism 31 Pitch direction rotating shaft 34 Driving force transmitting portion 35 Roller 36, 49 Rotating shaft 37 Driving force transmitting arm 39 Wiper portion 41, 47 Support arm 41A Opening portion 42 Wiper blade 43 Wiper blade attaching portion 44 Spherical bearing 45 Torsion spring 46 Flange 48 Cam mechanism 51, 52 Rotating shaft support arm 53 Sliding bearing 54 Torsion spring 55 Drive restricting means 56, 59 Case 57 Thermostat 60 Solenoid 60A Solenoid movable shaft 63 Controllers C, E1, E2, E, G, I direction F Over axis H direction of travel

Claims (5)

An imaging window;
A housing member provided with the imaging window;
A support member for rotatably supporting the housing member;
Drive means for rotating the housing member to control the orientation of the imaging window;
In an imaging apparatus provided with a wiper mechanism for removing deposits attached to the imaging window,
The wiper blade of the wiper mechanism is disposed so as to be drivable from a state where a gap is interposed between the wiper mechanism and the housing member to a state where the wiper blade is in contact with the imaging window, and the wiper blade is imaged By rotating the housing member in contact with the window, the position on the imaging window where the wiper blade contacts is moved, so that the deposits on the imaging window are removed. An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cam mechanism that transmits a rotational movement of the housing member to the wiper blade. The cam mechanism includes a cam that rotates integrally with the housing member, and a driving force transmission portion that drives the wiper mechanism by transmitting a rotational movement of the cam to the wiper blade. The imaging device according to claim 2. The wiper mechanism is formed on the support member formed in a region outside the imaging range of the support member, and a protective cover for protecting the wiper mechanism is formed on the support member. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is provided.   5. A drive restricting means is provided for restricting the drive of the wiper mechanism when the temperature of the atmosphere in which the wiper mechanism is installed falls below a predetermined temperature. The imaging device described in 1.

Images