Patent ID: 12189117

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to camera cleaning devices and more particularly to a self-cleaning camera lens system as used to provide a continuous cleaning system for camera lenses to allow for longer shot durations without having the image obstructed by debris. The self-cleaning camera lens system may be particularly designed to be self-cleaning, self-contained, mobile, discrete, easy to use, easily attachable, unobtrusive and at least partially self-maintaining and self-powered. Generally, the self-cleaning camera lens system may be small and compact such that a user can “grab it and go”, and such that setting up the camera with the self-cleaning camera lens system attached may be as simple as if it were not attached. The self-cleaning camera lens system may be configured to clean both dry and liquid debris.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown inFIGS.1-15, various views of a lens cleaning system100. As shown, the lens cleaning system100may include a main case110, a lens shield120, an actuator means130, a cleaning member housing140, at least one cleaning member150and a power supply system160. As shown in these figures, the lens cleaning system100may be configured for attachment to a camera5. The lens cleaning system100may automatically and continuously (when powered on) clean a lens10of the camera5. The lens10may include an optical axis15defining a light path. In some examples, the camera5may be a camera used in harsh conditions, hard to reach locations and/or other situations which a consistently clean lens10is desired and/or is difficult to clean manually. For instance, the camera5may be an action camera.

As shown inFIGS.1-4, the main case110may include an attachment means111configured to attach the lens cleaning system100to the camera5. As shown inFIG.4, in some embodiments, the attachment means111may include a camera5conforming clip115configured to secure the camera5to the main case110. Further, as shown inFIG.2, the attachment means111may include brackets116configured to attach the main case110to existing mounting hardware25on the camera5. In this embodiment, a nut and bolt combination26may be inserted through the brackets116and existing mounting hardware25to secure the main case110to the camera5.

The main case110may further include a bottom section112, a top section113sat atop the bottom section112, and a shield housing117(FIG.5) disposed within the top section113. Preferably, the main case110may be tailored specifically to accommodate the camera5and ensure a secure connection for safety and mount-ability. In addition, in some embodiments, the main case110may include an angular shape. The angular shape may be configured to direct falling debris away from the lens cleaning system100(and therefore the lens10).

As shown inFIG.5particularly, the shield housing may include a lens aperture114in which the lens10sits when the lens cleaning system100is attached to the camera5. As shown, the lens aperture114may be sized at least substantially equal to the lens10of the camera5such that the lens10is not obstructed and normal use of the lens10remains. The lens shield120may be seated within the shield housing117. The lens shield120may be seated atop the lens10when the lens cleaning system100is attached to the camera5and configured to shield the lens10from debris, preventing damage thereto. In some embodiments as shown inFIG.5, a dirt trap layer118may be included in the lens cleaning system100and located between the main case110and the lens shield120. The dirt trap layer118may keep a rear surface of the lens shield120clean and hold it in place. The dirt trap layer118may further act as a filter to allow the lens shield120to sit flush with the lens10(and therefore provide improved protection).

The lens shield120is transparent such that the light path passes through the lens shield120unobscured (and thus the camera5is able to take videos and photos as normal). As shown As shown inFIGS.5-6particularly, the lens shield120may include a disc shape. The lens shield120may be made from a glass or acrylic material and may include a scratch resistant and water repellent coating. Further, similar to the main case110, the lens shield120may also include an angular design configured to redirect falling debris, and/or allow the lens shield120to be at least partially aerodynamic. It is imagined that the lens shield120may cover an entirety of the lens10so as to completely protect the lens10and allow the entirety of the lens10to be cleaned (as shown inFIG.2). Preferably, a half of the lens shield120(as measured by a radius thereof) may cover an entire diameter of the lens10. In some embodiments, the lens shield120may be tailored to fit the specific lens10, thereby providing a formed, secure fit.

As shown inFIG.6, the actuator means130may be attached to the lens shield120such that the actuator means130is able to rotate the lens shield120relative to the optical axis15. Particularly, as shown, the actuator means130may include an actuator axis134about which the lens shield120rotates that is parallel to the optical axis15. Preferably, as shown, the actuator means130may include a motor131. The motor131may be speed adjustable such that a user may adjust a speed of the motor131depending on desired effect. To attach the motor131to the lens shield120, in some embodiments, the lens shield120may include four apertures equally spaced around a center point thereof. A motor bit132or a “D-HUB” may be provided that is attached to a tip of the motor131(FIG.5). The motor bit132may be lined up with the apertures on the lens shield120and fastened thereto (such as via screws). This attachment may evenly distribute torque of the motor131to four areas (the four apertures) of the lens shield120, thereby preventing the lens shield120from cracking. In some embodiments, the lens cleaning system100may include a motor switch133(FIG.3,FIG.5andFIG.14) for selectively powering the motor131on and off.

The cleaning member housing140may be removably attached atop the lens shield120. This may allow for easy removal and replacement of components located below the cleaning member housing140(discussed in more detail below). To facilitate easy removal of the top section113from the main case110, preferably, as shown inFIGS.7A-7B, the cleaning member housing140may include a pair of flexible clips147. The flexible clips147may allow for back-and-forth flexibility thereof. Further, a groove located on the pair of flexible clips147may be angled to provide a better grip. The cleaning member housing140may include a left side141and a right side142relative to the camera5(FIG.2). The left side141may include a housing opening143(FIG.5) sized at least substantially equal to the lens10of the camera5so that the lens10is not obstructed. The cleaning member housing140may include at least one debris director means240and at least one debris outlet340

As shown inFIGS.8-10, in some embodiments, the at least one debris director means240may include a raised lip241(or an ‘eyebrow) located at a top exterior edge144of the housing opening143at an exterior side145of the cleaning member housing140(FIG.2). The raised lip241may be positioned at a top of the lens10when the lens cleaning system100is attached to the camera5and configured to direct debris away from the lens10. For example, the raised lip241may direct liquid debris, such as rain, snow, ice, etc. away from the lens10. A position of the raised lip241relative to the lens10may also ensure that whilst the lens shield120is spinning, a cleaned section thereof will be protected right until it passes over the lens10. This may ensure a substantially continuously clear shot, even with debris bombarding the lens10. Further, the cleaning member housing140may include an angular shape to redirect debris (particularly liquid debris) from crossing in front of the lens10.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.8-10andFIG.12, the at least one debris director means240may further include a blade242located on a side edge148of the housing opening143at the exterior side145of the cleaning member housing140(FIG.2). The blade242may be positioned at a side of the lens10when the lens cleaning system100is attached to the camera5and configured to scrape the debris from the lens shield120. For example, the blade242may be particularly useful in scraping solid debris, large debris, and/or debris particularly difficult to remove. Friction between the blade242and the lens shield120may cause a scraping effect, dislodging heavy or large debris from the lens shield120. In some embodiments, the blade242may include a hook-like shape with a sharp edge and a wavy exterior. This shape may aid in dislodging heavy or large debris from the lens shield120and directing that debris away from the lens shield120. The blade242may preferably be pressed against the lens shield120when the cleaning member housing140is attached to the main case110). When the lens shield120spins, debris may be directed to towards the blade242.

The at least one cleaning member150may be seated within an interior side146of the cleaning member housing140. The at least one cleaning member150may be confined to a covered area of the cleaning member housing140; particularly, the at least one cleaning member150may not extend past the housing opening143so as to not obstruct the lens10. As shown, the covered area may be a majority area of the cleaning member housing140. As such, after the lens shield120has rotated a full 360 degrees, a once soiled section of the lens shield120is free (or at least one substantially free) from debris.

The at least one cleaning member150may be configured to contact a top surface121of the lens shield120and clean debris therefrom. The cleaning member housing140may fit tightly and securely over the lens shield120to ensure maximum efficiency of at least one cleaning member150on the lens shield120as the increased pressure of the tight fit ensures maximum surface contact. A precise amount of pressure may be applied to ensure maximum effect whilst preventing strain or damage to the motor131. The pair of flexible clips147may be used provide the precise amount of pressure. For example, a height of the flexible clips147may be precise as they may dictate amount of pressure imposed on the lens shield120, ensuring the motor131is not damaged.

As above, the cleaning member housing140may be removably attached to the main case110. As such, components such as the dirt trap layer118, the at least one cleaning member150, the lens shield120, etc. may be removed and replaced. For example, a user may remove the cleaning member housing140from the main case110to expose the at least one cleaning member150; remove and replace the at least one cleaning member150; unscrew the lens shield120from the motor bit132; remove and replace the lens shield120; and remove and replace the dirt trap layer118.

Whilst the lens shield120spins, it may go through a plurality of cleaning stages to ensure the view of the lens10remains substantially clear. As such, as shown inFIGS.9-11particularly, the at least one cleaning member150may include more than one cleaning member150. For example, as shown inFIGS.9-10specifically, the at least one cleaning member150may include a cleaning wipe250. As above, a half of the lens shield120may cover the entire diameter of the camera lens10. The cleaning wipe250may cover (at least) an opposite half of the lens shield120. The cleaning wipe250may be stationery and located in a dedicated groove on the cleaning member housing140. The cleaning wipe250may continuously clean the half of the lens shield120that is not covering the lens10(as the lens shield120spins the half covering the lens10continuously changes).

The cleaning wipe250may be abrasive, efficient and highly absorbent. Further, the cleaning wipe250may also be configured to trap direct particles as well as absorb liquid. In some embodiments, the cleaning wipe250may include superabsorbent gel polymers configured to absorb moisture over a long period of time. As shown inFIG.9via dotted lines, the cleaning wipe250may be split into a plurality of sections251. Each of the plurality of sections251may perform a different cleaning purpose. As such, the cleaning wipe may include a variety of textures and each section may include a different texture. For example, the cleaning wipe250may include a moisture stage, an abrasive stage, an absorbent stage, and a polishing and/or drying stage.

The moisture stage will be discussed in more detail below. The abrasive stage may include the loosening of stuck particles from the lens shield120, this may involve the cleaning wipe250including a section with a course texture. The absorbent stage may include the absorbing of moisture, as well as trapping particles dislodged from the lens shield120. The polishing and/or drying stage may wipe away any remaining liquid to dry the lens shield120.

Further, as shown inFIGS.9-13, the at least one cleaning member150may further include a main squeegee350(a scraper device). The main squeegee350may be located behind the blade242(as shown inFIG.10) and configured to remove the debris from the lens shield120. Particularly, the main squeegee350may be configured to dispel liquid as well as smaller debris that passed by the blade242. For example, as the lens shield120spins, it may push debris and liquid towards the blade242which dislodges heavier debris, and smaller debris or liquid debris is then directed towards the main squeegee350. A seal between the lens shield120and the main squeegee350may allow the main squeegee350to wick away liquid from the surface of the lens shield120and redirect its flow.

As shown inFIGS.11-12, the at least one debris outlet340may include a drainage tunnel341and a drainage aperture342located on the interior side146of the cleaning member housing140. In some examples, the drainage tunnel341may be a groove cut into the cleaning member housing140. In this embodiment, the debris removed by the main squeegee350may be directed through the drainage tunnel341and out through the drainage aperture342.

Further, in some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.9-11andFIG.13, the at least one cleaning member150may further include a second squeegee450located behind the raised lip241(FIG.10) and configured to remove remaining debris from the lens shield120. The second squeegee450may be useful in a final stage of cleaning. For example, before a previously soiled section of the lens shield120rotates back in front of the lens10(cleaned), the second squeegee450may redirect any remaining debris on the surface of the previously soiled section downwards and away. This may ensure that the previously soiled section is completely clean and transparent before it passes in front of the lens10.

As above, the cleaning wipe250may include a moisture stage. In this embodiment, the cleaning wipe250may include a wet area252. As shown inFIG.11andFIG.13, the cleaning member housing140may further include a liquid inlet440. The liquid inlet440may include an inlet aperture441attached to an inlet tunnel442and may be configured to receive cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid may be directed through the inlet tunnel442and into the wet area252, and the lens shield120may be at least partially wetted by the wet area252during rotation of the lens shield120. Thereby, the lens shield120may be at least partially cleaned by the cleaning liquid which may help dislodge larger and/or solid stuck on debris.

In addition to this, as shown inFIG.11, the at least one debris director means240may further include a debris passageway343located on the interior side146of the cleaning member housing140. In this embodiment, the second squeegee450may further be configured to remove remaining cleaning liquid from the lens shield120and the remaining cleaning liquid may be directed through the debris passageway343and into the wet area252for recirculation. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.11, the debris passageway343may be integral to the drainage tunnel341. Recirculation may include steps such as: using a cleaning liquid in a distribution bottle with a small narrow tip; placing the tip of the bottle inside the liquid aperture; squirting a small amount of cleaning fluid into the inlet aperture441; and ensuring the main case110and the cleaning member housing140is upright so that the cleaning liquid is able to follow through the inlet tunnel442to the wet area252where the cleaning liquid may be caught by the (rotating) lens shield120(and thus it is cleaned by the cleaning liquid).

The power supply system160may be configured for supplying power to the lens cleaning system100. Particularly, the power supply system160may supply power to the actuator means130. As shown inFIG.14, the power supply system160may preferably include batteries163. The batteries163may be stored within the bottom section112of the main case110(FIG.5). Particularly, the batteries163may be placed into a slot169(FIG.4) in the main case110and closed with a battery door165(FIG.5) to ensure debris does not contact the batteries163. Further, the power supply system160may include the motor switch133for controlling power to the motor232(and selectively switching the motor131on and off) and a power switch166for controlling power to the lens cleaning system100.

Further, as shown inFIG.14(andFIG.5) the power supply system160may include a distribution board162. The distribution board162may include a power input for allowing for charging of the batteries163. Applying continuous power into the power input may allow for charging of the batteries163, as well as powering of the actuator means130without reliance on the batteries163. The distribution board162may also be able to control the actuator means130automatically through other means, such as a remote device. Further, the distribution board162may be able to provide more or less power through its power outputs or provide a variation of power outputs such as amperage, voltage, or number of outputs and inputs. To ensure that the distribution board162does not contact debris, a screen protector171(FIG.5) may be installed for covering the distribution board162. Further, as shown inFIG.5, to ensure the distribution board162remains sealed, in some embodiments, a gasket172may be provided.

In addition to this, a power extension cord164may be provided, as shown inFIGS.14-15. The power extension cord164may be configured to plug into the camera5, extending a battery life of the camera5. A seal element161may be provided and configured for attachment about a power input port20of the camera5. The seal element161may be a replacement part for the camera's5original clip for its power input port20. The seal element161may be configured to prevent debris and debris from entering the power input port20and therefore, the seal element161may provide a tight seal between a male power connector (of the power extension cord164) and the seal element161, therefore providing a “splash-proof” connection. The seal element161may be custom made for each type of camera5used with the lens cleaning system100. As shown, the seal element161may include a specialty clip167and rubber seal168. Further, in some embodiments, the power supply system160may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug173(FIG.5).

In some embodiments, power extension cord164may also be configured to power the self-cleaning lens10system using an alternative source of energy, such as a larger battery, a DC power outlet, a solar panel, etc. Further, in some embodiments, the lens10cleaning may include an integral alternative power source such as a battery bank or solar panel. In addition, in some embodiments, the lens cleaning system100may include a processing unit.

Referring now toFIG.16showing a flow diagram illustrating a method500of automatically cleaning a lens of a camera, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method500may include one or more components or features of the lens cleaning system100as described above. As illustrated, the method500may include the steps of: step one501, providing the lens cleaning system as above; step two502, attaching the cleaning member housing to the main case; step three503, attaching the main case to the camera via the attachment means; and step four504, supplying power to the lens cleaning system, thereby: powering504athe actuator means; and causing504bthe actuator means to continuously rotate the lens shield relative to the optical axis, the lens shield continuously passing by the at least one cleaning member such that said debris is continuously cleaned from the lens shield prior to passing over the lens of the camera and therefore the lens is always substantially free from said debris.

Further steps may include step five505, again providing the lens cleaning system as above (including the raised lip, the blade, the drainage tunnel, the drainage aperture, the cleaning wipe, the main squeegee and the second squeegee); and step six506, supplying power to the lens cleaning system, thereby: powering506athe actuator means; and causing506bthe actuator means to continuously rotate the lens shield relative to the optical axis, the lens shield continuously passing by the main squeegee, the cleaning wipe, the second squeegee and the blade, the main squeegee removing said debris from the lens shield, the blade scraping said debris from the lens shield, the cleaning wipe cleaning said debris from the lens shield and the second squeegee removing said remaining debris from the lens shield prior to the lens shield passing over the lens, the raised lip directing said debris away from lens, said debris removed by the main squeegee directed through the drainage tunnel and out through the drainage aperture.

Further steps may include step507, again providing the lens cleaning system as above (including the wet area, the debris passageway, the liquid inlet with liquid aperture and liquid tunnel); step508, inserting cleaning liquid into the liquid inlet, the cleaning liquid directed through the inlet tunnel and into the wet area; and step nine509supplying power to the lens cleaning system, thereby: powering509athe actuator means; and causing509bthe actuator means to continuously rotate the lens shield relative to the optical axis, the lens shield being at least partially wetted by the wet area during rotation of the lens shield and thereby the lens shield is at least partially cleaned by the cleaning liquid.

Additional steps may include step ten510, again providing the lens cleaning system as above (wherein the second squeegee is configured to remove remaining cleaning liquid from the lens shield); and step eleven511, supplying power to the lens cleaning system, thereby: powering511athe actuator means; and causing511bthe actuator means to continuously rotate the lens shield relative to the optical axis, the lens shield continuously passing by the main squeegee, the cleaning wipe, the second squeegee and the blade, the second squeegee removing remaining cleaning liquid from the lens shield, the remaining cleaning liquid being directed through the debris passageway and into the wet area for recirculation.

It should be noted that certain steps are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method500are illustrated using dotted lines inFIG.16so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for automatically cleaning a lens of a camera are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.