EP2179629B1 - De-icing or defogging system for optical instrument and image acquisition device provided with said system - Google Patents

De-icing or defogging system for optical instrument and image acquisition device provided with said system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2179629B1
EP2179629B1 EP08806037.1A EP08806037A EP2179629B1 EP 2179629 B1 EP2179629 B1 EP 2179629B1 EP 08806037 A EP08806037 A EP 08806037A EP 2179629 B1 EP2179629 B1 EP 2179629B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heating elements
porthole
casing
acquisition device
image acquisition
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EP08806037.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2179629A2 (en
Inventor
Laurence Duchayne
Philippe Bramoulle
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Airbus Operations SAS
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Airbus Operations SAS
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/84—Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for defrosting or demisting an optical instrument such as an image acquisition device. It also relates to an image acquisition device equipped with such a defrosting device and / or demister.
  • the invention is particularly applicable to a camera equipping an aircraft.
  • such a camera makes it possible to precisely visualize the position of the wheels on the track and the possible obstacles when taxiing the plane.
  • these cameras are subject to the extreme conditions prevailing outside a plane at altitude flying. As an example, at an altitude of 12,000 m, the temperature outside the plane is around -50 ° C. Also, these cameras may be exposed depending on the flight phase of the aircraft at temperature ranges from -55 ° C to + 70 ° C.
  • These cameras typically include an image sensor and a lens that are placed inside a protective case to protect them from ambient, i.e., temperature and humidity conditions.
  • the air trapped in this housing may contain a certain amount of water.
  • this layer of frost has formed, and no de-icing system is provided, this layer remains on the structure until the outside temperature rises sufficiently to melt.
  • a pilot may be deprived of visual access to certain parts of the aircraft because of the mist or frost created by the accumulation of water particles at the level of the protective window, or porthole , of the camera usually used to visualize these parts.
  • an image acquisition device such as a video camera or a digital camera, whose structure prevents the formation of fogging inside or frost outside the housing of protection.
  • the US patent document bearing the number US 1848337 discloses a heater for automobile windshield which is applied against it, on its periphery, and is held in place by means of suitable fasteners.
  • This device comprises a single resistive conductor disposed in several loops around the windshield, the power of which causes a release of heat considered suitable for defrosting whatever the atmospheric conditions surrounding the defrost circuit.
  • One of the disadvantages of such a device is that it must be capable in all circumstances of producing enough heat to ensure the defrost alone and that the electrical power consumed by the system is important.
  • the objective of the present invention is therefore to propose a demisting or defrosting system for an optical instrument, simple in its design and in its operating mode, which is quick and makes it possible to overcome the problems of condensation and accretion of frost or fog at the optical path of the image acquisition device.
  • Another objective of this invention is to save the energy required for demisting or deicing an optical instrument such as a camera system to minimize the electrical consumption on board the aircraft.
  • the invention relates to a defogging system or deicing an optical instrument comprising a protective housing.
  • this system therefore advantageously makes it possible to ensure perfect control of the heating of the window while freeing the optical path to the sensor of an acquisition device. Images for example so that the image in acquisition is not partially masked by one or more objects.
  • this defogging or defrosting system can be implemented on an image acquisition device or an optical observation device.
  • the porthole is a lens for example.
  • this other heating element may comprise one or more resistors connected in parallel to reconcile the space requirement and the power to be dissipated.
  • the invention also relates to an image acquisition device comprising a protective housing in which at least one sensor is placed, this housing comprising a window placed in front of the sensor.
  • the device comprises a demisting or deicing system as described above.
  • this image acquisition device may comprise a video camera sensor or digital photography apparatus such as a CDD or CMOS for acquiring the images.
  • This sensor is placed behind a lens.
  • the system of the present invention can be implemented on a protective case of an image acquisition device intended to be mounted on an aircraft or on underwater vehicles for deep-sea photography.
  • the window is a spherical window and the protective housing is typically made of titanium.
  • An image corrector can be used to eliminate any distortions caused by wide-angle shooting.
  • the protective housing is a nitrogen-filled sealed housing.
  • the porthole is mounted on the body of the protective housing with seals sealing the contact porthole / housing body.
  • the housing may include a nitrogen introduction port connected to a valve for controlling the nitrogen pressure and / or filling said housing with nitrogen during ground maintenance operations.
  • the invention relates to an aircraft equipped with an image acquisition device as described above.
  • This defogging system or defrosting is economical and facilitates the replacement of the porthole in case of breakage because the porthole can be made in a standard glass.
  • the Figure 1 shows an image acquisition device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • This device comprises a protective case 1 on which a window 2 is mounted.
  • a protective case 1 on which a window 2 is mounted.
  • an objective 3 and a sensor 4 are placed in the direction of travel of the light from the outside towards the sensor.
  • CCD sensor comprising a matrix of light detection points.
  • Objective 3 may be a zoom lens to magnify a fixed object relative to the device.
  • the housing also includes a control circuit (not shown) of the sensor and its lens.
  • the sealing of the device is ensured by the seals 5, 6 interposed between the window 2 and the body of the protective casing 1.
  • the device also comprises a defrosting or defogging system of the window 2, said porthole being covered on its inner face by a thermal conductive film 7 placed at the edge of its useful area.
  • the film 7 has an annular shape here.
  • This conductive film 7 advantageously comprises a substrate comprising glass fibers and on its external faces layers comprising silicone polymers loaded with thermally conductive particles.
  • These solid particles are preferably chosen from the group comprising alumina, graphite, boron nitride and combinations of these elements.
  • This thermal conductive film 7 has the advantage of being deformed and of allowing a better thermal conduction compared to a heating device without film or with non-deformable film for which the air present between the window 2 and the heating elements, would disturb the thermal conduction.
  • the product consisting of layers of silicone polymers loaded with alumina on a glass fiber support, marketed under the name "Gap-Pad” (registered trademark), by the company Bergquist, Minneapolis, USA is particularly suitable for carrying out the invention.
  • the deicing or demisting system also comprises heating elements 8 placed in contact with the thermal conductive film 7 to heat it.
  • These heating elements 8 which are surface mount resistors ("CMS"), are mounted on a printed circuit 9 for supplying these energy resistances.
  • CMS surface mount resistors
  • This printed circuit 9 is connected to the power supply 10 of the image acquisition device.
  • the printed circuit 9 has an annular shape so as not to interfere with the optical path towards the sensor 4.
  • Protrusions 11 placed on the inner wall of the housing 1 serve to support the printed circuit 9 while allowing the resistors 8 to be pressed onto the film thermal conductor 5.
  • the resistors 8 are here welded to the ring of the printed circuit 9 by means of a high temperature solder, typically of the order of 350 ° C., in order to avoid the accidental detachment of these resistors 8 during the rise in temperature.
  • the demisting or defrosting system also comprises another heating element 12 placed inside the housing 1 and connected to the power supply 10 of the image acquisition device via a thermostat 13.
  • heating element 12 is of the power resistance type.
  • This other heating element 12 controlled by the thermostat 13 advantageously makes it possible to maintain a positive temperature in the casing 1 and thus improves the efficiency of the defrosting performed by the heating elements 8 in contact with the thermal conductive film 7.
  • the window 2 is made entirely of standard glass of thickness 2.5 mm and has a diameter of 60 mm.
  • the surface mount resistors 8 have dimensions of about 3mm x 2mm x 1mm and limited individual power (0.25 W per resistor).
  • the energy dissipation is further adapted to the diameter of the window 2.
  • the 50 resistances of 0.25 W lead to a dissipation of 0.2 W per cm 2 of porthole 2.
  • the other heating element 12 is calculated to have a power of 0.05 W / cm 3 .
  • the other heating element 12 then has a power of 6 Watts. It can thus consist of four pure ceramic resistors of 510 Ohms each, which are connected in parallel to reconcile the size and the power to be dissipated.
  • the thermostat 13 is of the open contact type.
  • the power supply 10 is a low voltage power supply, 28 volts, generally used in aircraft.

Landscapes

  • Studio Devices (AREA)
  • Surface Heating Bodies (AREA)
  • Cameras Adapted For Combination With Other Photographic Or Optical Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Exposure Control For Cameras (AREA)
  • Camera Bodies And Camera Details Or Accessories (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un système de dégivrage ou de désembuage d'un instrument optique tel qu'un dispositif d'acquisition d'images. Elle concerne également un dispositif d'acquisition d'images équipé d'un tel dispositif de dégivrage et/ou de désembuage.The present invention relates to a system for defrosting or demisting an optical instrument such as an image acquisition device. It also relates to an image acquisition device equipped with such a defrosting device and / or demister.

L'invention est notamment applicable à une caméra équipant un aéronef.The invention is particularly applicable to a camera equipping an aircraft.

Il est connu d'équiper les avions de caméras extérieures à poste fixe pour la surveillance d'une zone déterminée de l'avion et/ou de son environnement. Ces caméras permettent au pilote de visualiser en temps réel des parties vitales ou encore peu accessibles de son appareil telles que la voilure, les trains d'atterrissage, les soutes ...It is known to equip aircraft with fixed outdoor cameras for monitoring a given area of the aircraft and / or its environment. These cameras allow the pilot to visualize in real time vital or inaccessible parts of his aircraft such as the wing, the landing gear, the bunkers ...

A titre illustratif, une telle caméra permet ainsi de visualiser précisément la position des roues sur la piste et les éventuels obstacles lors du roulage au sol de l'avion.By way of illustration, such a camera makes it possible to precisely visualize the position of the wheels on the track and the possible obstacles when taxiing the plane.

Toutefois, ces caméras sont soumises aux conditions extrêmes régnant à l'extérieur d'un avion en altitude de vol. A titre illustratif, à 12.000 m d'altitude, la température extérieure à l'avion avoisine les - 50 °C. Aussi, ces caméras peuvent être exposées en fonction de la phase de vol de l'avion à des plages de températures allant de -55°C à +70°C.However, these cameras are subject to the extreme conditions prevailing outside a plane at altitude flying. As an example, at an altitude of 12,000 m, the temperature outside the plane is around -50 ° C. Also, these cameras may be exposed depending on the flight phase of the aircraft at temperature ranges from -55 ° C to + 70 ° C.

Ces caméras comportent typiquement un capteur d'image et un objectif qui sont placés à l'intérieur d'un boîtier de protection pour les protéger des conditions ambiantes, i.e. de température et d'humidité.These cameras typically include an image sensor and a lens that are placed inside a protective case to protect them from ambient, i.e., temperature and humidity conditions.

Toutefois, l'air emprisonné dans ce boîtier peut contenir une certaine quantité d'eau.However, the air trapped in this housing may contain a certain amount of water.

Or, on observe que lorsque la température extérieure au boîtier de protection vient à chuter rapidement, cette eau se condense rapidement sur la partie la plus froide de celui-ci, laquelle est souvent située au milieu du hublot, ou vitre de protection, placé devant l'optique du capteur d'image.However, it is observed that when the temperature outside the protective casing falls quickly, this water quickly condenses on the coldest part thereof, which is often located in the middle of the window, or protective glass, placed in front of the optics of the image sensor.

La partie centrale de l'image est alors rendue inexploitable. Cette condensation peut de plus dégrader par diffraction optique, la qualité du reste de l'image ainsi générée et dans les cas extrêmes, la rendre totalement inutilisable.The central part of the image is then rendered unusable. This condensation can further degrade by optical diffraction, the quality of the rest of the image thus generated and in extreme cases, make it completely unusable.

Par ailleurs, une fois que cette condensation est apparue, elle peut subsister sur une longue période de temps même lorsque les conditions de sa création ne sont plus réunies.Moreover, once this condensation has appeared, it can subsist over a long period of time even when the conditions of its creation are no longer met.

On connaît des procédés de traitement anti-buée de hublot, toutefois, ces traitements peuvent vieillir dans le temps et on constate alors une opacification du hublot, rendant l'image du capteur floue.Methods of anti-fogging window treatment are known, however, these treatments can age with time and there is then opacification of the window, making the image of the sensor blurred.

Enfin, il est connu également que lorsqu'un aéronef vole au-dessus d'une certaine altitude, les gouttelettes d'eau présentes dans l'atmosphère peuvent, dans certaines conditions, s'accumuler sous forme de givre sur les surfaces extérieures du boîtier de protection. Ces gouttelettes forment alors une épaisseur de givre en s'accumulant les unes aux autres. Cette accrétion de givre peut rendre l'image du capteur totalement inutilisable.Finally, it is also known that when an aircraft flies above a certain altitude, the water droplets in the atmosphere can, under certain conditions, accumulate in the form of frost on the external surfaces of the case. protection. These droplets then form a thickness of frost accumulating with each other. This accretion of frost can make the image of the sensor totally unusable.

Une fois que cette couche de givre s'est formée, et si aucun système de dégivrage n'est prévu, cette couche reste sur la structure tant que la température extérieure ne remonte pas suffisamment pour la faire fondre.Once this layer of frost has formed, and no de-icing system is provided, this layer remains on the structure until the outside temperature rises sufficiently to melt.

Il en résulte qu'un pilote peut être privé d'un accès visuel à certaines parties de l'aéronef en raison de la buée ou du givre créé par l'accumulation de particules d'eau au niveau de la vitre de protection, ou hublot, de la caméra utilisée usuellement pour visualiser ces parties.As a result, a pilot may be deprived of visual access to certain parts of the aircraft because of the mist or frost created by the accumulation of water particles at the level of the protective window, or porthole , of the camera usually used to visualize these parts.

Il serait donc intéressant de disposer d'un dispositif d'acquisition d'images tel qu'une caméra vidéo ou un appareil photo numérique, dont la structure empêche la formation de buée à l'intérieur ou de givre à l'extérieur du boîtier de protection.It would therefore be interesting to have an image acquisition device such as a video camera or a digital camera, whose structure prevents the formation of fogging inside or frost outside the housing of protection.

On connaît de l'état de l'art des hublots chauffants qui sont constitués de fils électriques reliés au hublot. Toutefois, ces hublots sont très coûteux et lors de la maintenance du dispositif d'acquisition, ces fils électriques peuvent être coupés par inadvertance lors du démontage rendant le dispositif inopérant.It is known from the state of the art heated windows which consist of electrical son connected to the porthole. However, these portholes are very expensive and during the maintenance of the acquisition device, these electrical son can be inadvertently cut during disassembly making the device inoperative.

Par ailleurs, le document de brevet des Etats-Unis portant le numéro US 1848337 décrit un dispositif de chauffage pour pare-brise d'automobile qui vient s'appliquer contre celui-ci, sur son pourtour, et est maintenu en place à l'aide d'éléments de fixation appropriés. Ce dispositif comporte un conducteur résistif unique, disposé en plusieurs boucles sur le pourtour du pare-brise, dont la mise sous tension provoque un dégagement de chaleur considéré comme propre à assurer le dégivrage quelles que soient les conditions atmosphérique qui environne le circuit de dégivrage. Un des inconvénients d'un tel dispositif est qu'il doit être capable en toute circonstance de produire suffisamment de chaleur pour assurer le dégivrage à lui seul et que la puissance électrique consommée par le système est donc importante.In addition, the US patent document bearing the number US 1848337 discloses a heater for automobile windshield which is applied against it, on its periphery, and is held in place by means of suitable fasteners. This device comprises a single resistive conductor disposed in several loops around the windshield, the power of which causes a release of heat considered suitable for defrosting whatever the atmospheric conditions surrounding the defrost circuit. One of the disadvantages of such a device is that it must be capable in all circumstances of producing enough heat to ensure the defrost alone and that the electrical power consumed by the system is important.

L'objectif de la présente invention est donc de proposer un système de désembuage ou de dégivrage d'un instrument optique, simple dans sa conception et dans son mode opératoire, rapide et permettant de s'affranchir des problèmes de condensation et d'accrétion de givre ou de buée au niveau du chemin optique du dispositif d'acquisition d'images.The objective of the present invention is therefore to propose a demisting or defrosting system for an optical instrument, simple in its design and in its operating mode, which is quick and makes it possible to overcome the problems of condensation and accretion of frost or fog at the optical path of the image acquisition device.

Un autre objectif de cette invention vise à économiser l'énergie nécessaire au désembuage ou au dégivrage d'un instrument optique tel qu'un système de prise de vue afin de minimiser les consommations électriques à bord de l'aéronef.Another objective of this invention is to save the energy required for demisting or deicing an optical instrument such as a camera system to minimize the electrical consumption on board the aircraft.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un système de désembuage ou de dégivrage d'un instrument optique comprenant un boîtier de protection.For this purpose, the invention relates to a defogging system or deicing an optical instrument comprising a protective housing.

Selon l'invention, ce système comprend :

  • un hublot recouvert sur au moins une de ses faces par un film conducteur thermique placé en bordure de la zone utile du hublot, ce hublot étant destiné à être monté sur le boîtier de protection,
  • des éléments chauffants destinés à être placés en contact avec le film conducteur thermique pour chauffer ce film, et
  • un circuit d'alimentation électrique de ces éléments chauffants.
According to the invention, this system comprises:
  • a window covered on at least one of its faces by a thermal conductive film placed at the edge of the useful area of the window, this window being intended to be mounted on the protective housing,
  • heating elements intended to be placed in contact with the thermal conductive film for heating this film, and
  • a power supply circuit of these heating elements.

Le film conducteur et les éléments chauffants étant placés en bordure de la zone utile du hublot, ce système permet donc avantageusement d'assurer un parfait contrôle du chauffage du hublot tout en libérant le chemin optique vers le capteur d'un dispositif d'acquisition d'images par exemple de sorte que l'image en acquisition n'est pas masquée en partie par un ou plusieurs objets.The conductive film and the heating elements being placed at the edge of the useful area of the window, this system therefore advantageously makes it possible to ensure perfect control of the heating of the window while freeing the optical path to the sensor of an acquisition device. images for example so that the image in acquisition is not partially masked by one or more objects.

A titre purement illustratif, ce système de désembuage ou de dégivrage peut être mis en oeuvre sur un dispositif d'acquisition d'images ou encore un dispositif optique d'observation. Dans ce dernier cas, le hublot est une lentille par exemple.As a purely illustrative example, this defogging or defrosting system can be implemented on an image acquisition device or an optical observation device. In the latter case, the porthole is a lens for example.

Dans différents modes de réalisation particuliers de ce système de désembuage ou de dégivrage d'un instrument optique, chacun ayant ses avantages particuliers et susceptibles de nombreuses combinaisons techniques possibles:

  • les éléments chauffants sont des résistances destinées à recouvrir au moins partiellement le film conducteur thermique, et dont la largeur et la longueur sont définies par rapport aux dimension transversale et forme du film conducteur thermique,
In various particular embodiments of this defogging or defrosting system of an optical instrument, each having its particular advantages and capable of many possible technical combinations:
  • the heating elements are resistors intended to at least partially cover the thermal conductive film, and whose width and length are defined with respect to the transverse dimension and form of the thermal conductive film,

A titre illustratif, le film conducteur thermique ayant une forme annulaire, la dimension transversale de ce film est sa largeur. Les éléments chauffants sont alors des résistances de petites dimensions pour tenir compte de la forme annulaire du film conducteur. Ces petites dimensions des résistances permettent d'augmenter la surface de contact avec le film conducteur thermique et par conséquent, la transmission des calories. Afin de répartir la température sur une surface maximale de film conducteur thermique, et par conséquent de hublot, on met en oeuvre un grand nombre de ces résistances placées contre la surface du film.

  • ce film conducteur est un film conducteur thermique déformable mécaniquement afin de s'ajuster aux surfaces des éléments chauffants,
As an illustration, the thermal conductive film having an annular shape, the transverse dimension of this film is its width. The heating elements are then resistors of small dimensions to take into account the annular shape of the conductive film. These small dimensions of the resistors make it possible to increase the surface of contact with the thermal conductive film and consequently, the transmission of the calories. In order to distribute the temperature on a maximum surface of thermal conductive film, and therefore porthole, a large number of these resistors placed against the surface of the film are used.
  • this conductive film is a thermally deformable thermal conductive film in order to fit the surfaces of the heating elements,

Le film est par exemple déformable en ce qu'exerçant une pression sur sa surface externe, on obtient une compression de l'épaisseur originale de ce film. Les éléments chauffants étant pressés contre ce film, le film vient épouser la surface de ces éléments chauffants ce qui assure un meilleur transfert thermique de la chaleur dans le film.

  • le circuit d'alimentation électrique comporte un circuit imprimé sur lequel sont montés les éléments chauffants, ce circuit imprimé étant destiné à alimenter les éléments chauffants en énergie,
  • le circuit imprimé a une forme annulaire,
The film is for example deformable in that exerting a pressure on its external surface, one obtains a compression of the original thickness of this film. The heating elements being pressed against this film, the film comes to marry the surface of these heating elements which ensures a better thermal transfer of heat in the film.
  • the power supply circuit comprises a printed circuit on which the heating elements are mounted, this printed circuit being intended to supply the heating elements with energy,
  • the printed circuit has an annular shape,

De manière plus générale, le circuit imprimé servant de support aux éléments chauffants, pourrait avoir tout autre forme permettant de libérer en son centre le chemin optique vers le capteur d'un dispositif d'acquisition d'images.

  • il comprend un capteur de température destiné à être placé à proximité de la surface dudit hublot et apte à générer un signal de température.
More generally, the printed circuit serving as a support for the heating elements, could have any other shape to release at its center the optical path to the sensor of an image acquisition device.
  • it comprises a temperature sensor intended to be placed close to the surface of said porthole and able to generate a temperature signal.

On entend par « à proximité de la surface », sur la surface ou à une distance permettant une interaction physique avec cette surface de sorte que le capteur puisse mesurer une température qui aura été calibrée.

  • le système comporte un autre élément chauffant destiné à être placé dans le boîtier.
By "near the surface" is meant, on the surface or at a distance allowing physical interaction with that surface so that the sensor can measure a temperature that has been calibrated.
  • the system comprises another heating element intended to be placed in the housing.

A titre purement illustratif, cet autre élément chauffant peut comporter une ou plusieurs résistances montées en parallèle pour concilier l'encombrement et la puissance à dissiper.As a purely illustrative example, this other heating element may comprise one or more resistors connected in parallel to reconcile the space requirement and the power to be dissipated.

L'invention concerne également un dispositif d'acquisition d'images comprenant un boîtier de protection dans lequel est placé au moins un capteur, ce boîtier comportant un hublot placé devant le capteur.The invention also relates to an image acquisition device comprising a protective housing in which at least one sensor is placed, this housing comprising a window placed in front of the sensor.

Selon l'invention, le dispositif comporte un système de désembuage ou de dégivrage tel que décrit précédemment.According to the invention, the device comprises a demisting or deicing system as described above.

De manière générale, ce dispositif d'acquisition d'images peut comporter un capteur de caméra vidéo ou d'appareil de photographie numérique tel qu'un CDD ou CMOS pour acquérir les images. Ce capteur est placé derrière un objectif.In general, this image acquisition device may comprise a video camera sensor or digital photography apparatus such as a CDD or CMOS for acquiring the images. This sensor is placed behind a lens.

Le système de la présente invention peut être mis en oeuvre sur un boîtier de protection d'un dispositif d'acquisition d'images destiné à être monté sur un aéronef ou encore sur des engins sous-marins pour de la photographie en grande profondeur. Dans ce dernier cas, le hublot est un hublot sphérique et le boîtier de protection est typiquement en titane. Un correcteur d'image peut de plus être utilisé pour éliminer les distorsions éventuelles dues aux prises de vue en grand angle.The system of the present invention can be implemented on a protective case of an image acquisition device intended to be mounted on an aircraft or on underwater vehicles for deep-sea photography. In the latter case, the window is a spherical window and the protective housing is typically made of titanium. An image corrector can be used to eliminate any distortions caused by wide-angle shooting.

De préférence, le boîtier de protection est un boîtier étanche rempli d'azote. Le hublot est monté sur le corps du boîtier de protection à l'aide de joints assurant l'étanchéité du contact hublot/corps du boîtier.Preferably, the protective housing is a nitrogen-filled sealed housing. The porthole is mounted on the body of the protective housing with seals sealing the contact porthole / housing body.

Le boîtier peut comporter un port d'introduction d'azote relié à une vanne permettant le contrôle de la pression d'azote et/ou le remplissage dudit boîtier avec de l'azote lors d'opérations de maintenance au sol.The housing may include a nitrogen introduction port connected to a valve for controlling the nitrogen pressure and / or filling said housing with nitrogen during ground maintenance operations.

L'invention concerne enfin un aéronef équipé d'un dispositif d'acquisition d'images tel que décrit précédemment.Finally, the invention relates to an aircraft equipped with an image acquisition device as described above.

Ce système de désembuage ou de dégivrage est économique et facilite le remplacement du hublot en cas de casse car le hublot peut être réalisé dans un verre standard.This defogging system or defrosting is economical and facilitates the replacement of the porthole in case of breakage because the porthole can be made in a standard glass.

L'invention sera décrite plus en détail en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un dispositif d'acquisition d'images selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention;
  • la figure 2 est une vue éclatée du dispositif de la Figure 1;
The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic representation of an image acquisition device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 is an exploded view of the device of the Figure 1 ;

La Figure 1 montre un dispositif d'acquisition d'images selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.The Figure 1 shows an image acquisition device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Ce dispositif comprend un boîtier de protection 1 sur lequel est monté un hublot 2. Dans ce boîtier 1, sont placés dans le sens de parcours de la lumière de l'extérieur vers le capteur, un objectif 3 et un capteur 4 tel qu'un capteur CCD comportant une matrice de points de détection de la lumière.This device comprises a protective case 1 on which a window 2 is mounted. In this case 1, an objective 3 and a sensor 4 are placed in the direction of travel of the light from the outside towards the sensor. CCD sensor comprising a matrix of light detection points.

L'objectif 3 peut être un objectif à focale variable pour faire des grossissements d'un objet fixe par rapport au dispositif.Objective 3 may be a zoom lens to magnify a fixed object relative to the device.

Le boîtier comporte également un circuit de commande (non représenté) du capteur et de son objectif.The housing also includes a control circuit (not shown) of the sensor and its lens.

L'étanchéité du dispositif est assurée par les joints 5, 6 interposés entre le hublot 2 et le corps du boîtier de protection 1.The sealing of the device is ensured by the seals 5, 6 interposed between the window 2 and the body of the protective casing 1.

Le dispositif comporte également un système de dégivrage ou de désembuage du hublot 2, ledit hublot étant recouvert sur sa face interne par un film conducteur thermique 7 placé en bordure de sa zone utile. Le film 7 a ici une forme annulaire.The device also comprises a defrosting or defogging system of the window 2, said porthole being covered on its inner face by a thermal conductive film 7 placed at the edge of its useful area. The film 7 has an annular shape here.

Ce film conducteur 7 comprend avantageusement un substrat comportant des fibres de verre et sur ses faces externes des couches comportant des polymères de silicone chargés de particules conductrices thermiquement. Ces particules solides sont de préférence choisies dans le groupe comprenant l'alumine, le graphite, le nitrure de bore et des combinaisons de ces éléments.This conductive film 7 advantageously comprises a substrate comprising glass fibers and on its external faces layers comprising silicone polymers loaded with thermally conductive particles. These solid particles are preferably chosen from the group comprising alumina, graphite, boron nitride and combinations of these elements.

Ce film conducteur thermique 7 a l'avantage de se déformer et de permettre une meilleure conduction thermique par rapport à un dispositif de chauffage sans film ou avec film non déformable pour lequel l'air présent entre le hublot 2 et les éléments chauffants, gênerait la conduction thermique.This thermal conductive film 7 has the advantage of being deformed and of allowing a better thermal conduction compared to a heating device without film or with non-deformable film for which the air present between the window 2 and the heating elements, would disturb the thermal conduction.

Le produit constitué de couches de polymères de silicone chargés en alumine sur un support de fibres de verre, commercialisé sous la dénomination « Gap-Pad » (marque déposée), par la Société Bergquist, Minneapolis, Etats-Unis est particulièrement approprié à la mise en oeuvre de l'invention.The product consisting of layers of silicone polymers loaded with alumina on a glass fiber support, marketed under the name "Gap-Pad" (registered trademark), by the company Bergquist, Minneapolis, USA is particularly suitable for carrying out the invention.

Le système de dégivrage ou de désembuage comporte également des éléments chauffants 8 placés en contact avec le film conducteur thermique 7 pour le chauffer. Ces éléments chauffants 8 qui sont des résistances à montage en surface ("CMS"), sont montés sur un circuit imprimé 9 destiné à alimenter ces résistances en énergie. Ce circuit imprimé 9 est relié à l'alimentation électrique 10 du dispositif d'acquisition d'images. Le circuit imprimé 9 a une forme annulaire pour ne pas interférer avec le chemin optique vers le capteur 4. Des saillies 11 placées sur la paroi interne du boîtier 1 servent de support au circuit imprimé 9 tout en permettant de presser les résistances 8 sur le film conducteur thermique 5.The deicing or demisting system also comprises heating elements 8 placed in contact with the thermal conductive film 7 to heat it. These heating elements 8 which are surface mount resistors ("CMS"), are mounted on a printed circuit 9 for supplying these energy resistances. This printed circuit 9 is connected to the power supply 10 of the image acquisition device. The printed circuit 9 has an annular shape so as not to interfere with the optical path towards the sensor 4. Protrusions 11 placed on the inner wall of the housing 1 serve to support the printed circuit 9 while allowing the resistors 8 to be pressed onto the film thermal conductor 5.

La disposition de ces résistances 8, i.e. à plat sur la couronne formée par le circuit imprimé 9, assure une surface en contact maximale des résistances 8 avec le film conducteur thermique 7 facilitant ainsi la transmission des calories.The arrangement of these resistors 8, i.e. flat on the ring formed by the printed circuit 9, provides a surface in maximum contact with the resistors 8 with the thermal conductive film 7 thus facilitating the transmission of calories.

Les résistances 8 sont ici soudées sur la couronne du circuit imprimé 9 à l'aide d'une soudure haute température, typiquement de l'ordre de 350°C, afin d'éviter le décollement accidentel de ces résistances 8 lors de la montée en température.The resistors 8 are here welded to the ring of the printed circuit 9 by means of a high temperature solder, typically of the order of 350 ° C., in order to avoid the accidental detachment of these resistors 8 during the rise in temperature.

Le système de désembuage ou de dégivrage comporte également un autre élément chauffant 12 placé à l'intérieur du boîtier 1 et relié à l'alimentation électrique 10 du dispositif d'acquisition d'images par l'intermédiaire d'un thermostat 13. Cet autre élément chauffant 12 est du type résistance de puissance.The demisting or defrosting system also comprises another heating element 12 placed inside the housing 1 and connected to the power supply 10 of the image acquisition device via a thermostat 13. heating element 12 is of the power resistance type.

Cet autre élément chauffant 12 commandé par le thermostat 13 permet avantageusement de maintenir une température positive dans le boîtier 1 et améliore ainsi l'efficacité du dégivrage réalisé par les éléments chauffants 8 en contact avec le film conducteur thermique 7.This other heating element 12 controlled by the thermostat 13 advantageously makes it possible to maintain a positive temperature in the casing 1 and thus improves the efficiency of the defrosting performed by the heating elements 8 in contact with the thermal conductive film 7.

Dans un mode de mise en oeuvre particulier de l'invention, le hublot 2 est en verre tout à fait standard d'épaisseur 2,5 mm et a un diamètre de 60 mm. Les résistances à montage en surface 8 ont des dimensions de l'ordre 3mm x 2mm x 1mm et une puissance individuelle limitée (0,25 W par résistance).In a particular embodiment of the invention, the window 2 is made entirely of standard glass of thickness 2.5 mm and has a diameter of 60 mm. The surface mount resistors 8 have dimensions of about 3mm x 2mm x 1mm and limited individual power (0.25 W per resistor).

Le nombre de résistances 8 montées sur le circuit imprimé 9 en forme de couronne, une cinquantaine par exemple, permet d'atteindre la puissance totale nécessaire au chauffage du hublot 2 dans un encombrement réduit.The number of resistors 8 mounted on the ring-shaped printed circuit 9, about fifty for example, makes it possible to achieve the total power required for heating the window 2 in a small space.

La dissipation d'énergie est de plus adaptée au diamètre du hublot 2. Les 50 résistances de 0,25 W conduisent à une dissipation de 0,2 W par Cm2 de hublot 2.The energy dissipation is further adapted to the diameter of the window 2. The 50 resistances of 0.25 W lead to a dissipation of 0.2 W per cm 2 of porthole 2.

L'autre élément chauffant 12 est calculé pour avoir une puissance de 0,05 W/cm3. Dans le cas d'un boîtier de protection 1 de 100 mm de long et 60 mm de diamètre, l'autre élément chauffant 12 a alors une puissance de 6 Watts. Il peut ainsi être constitué de quatre résistances en céramique pure de 510 Ohms chacune, lesquelles sont mises en parallèle pour concilier l'encombrement et la puissance à dissiper.The other heating element 12 is calculated to have a power of 0.05 W / cm 3 . In the case of a protective casing 1 100 mm long and 60 mm in diameter, the other heating element 12 then has a power of 6 Watts. It can thus consist of four pure ceramic resistors of 510 Ohms each, which are connected in parallel to reconcile the size and the power to be dissipated.

Le thermostat 13 est du type à contact à ouverture. L'alimentation 10 est une alimentation basse tension, 28Volts, utilisée généralement dans les aéronefs.The thermostat 13 is of the open contact type. The power supply 10 is a low voltage power supply, 28 volts, generally used in aircraft.

Claims (9)

  1. Defogging or de-icing system for an optical instrument having a protective casing (1) and a porthole (2) designed to be mounted on said protective casing (1), said system comprising:
    - a heat conducting film (7) configured to be placed at the edge of the useful area of said porthole (2) on at least one of the faces of said porthole (2);
    - heating elements (8) designed to be placed in contact with the heat conducting film (7) in order to heat said film, and
    - an electrical supply circuit (9, 10) for said heating elements (8);
    characterized in that it further comprises another heating element (12), arranged inside the protective casing(1) and the power of which is sufficient to maintain a positive temperature inside said casing.
  2. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that said conducting film is a heat conducting film (7) that is mechanically deformable in order to fit onto the surfaces of said heating elements (8).
  3. System according to Claim 2, characterized in that said conducting film (7) comprises a substrate having glass fibers and on its outer faces layers comprising silicone polymers filled with heat conducting particles.
  4. System according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said electrical supply circuit (9, 10) includes a printed circuit (9) on which the heating elements (8) are mounted, said printed circuit being designed to supply said heating elements (8) with power.
  5. System according to Claim 4, characterized in that said printed circuit (9) has an annular form.
  6. System according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said heating elements (8) are resistances arranged on said printed circuit (9), and of which the width and length are defined relative to the transverse dimensions and to the shape of the heat conducting film (7).
  7. Image acquisition device having a protective casing (1) in which at least one sensor (4) is placed, said casing having a porthole (2) placed in front of the sensor (4), characterized in that it includes a defogging or de-icing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.
  8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that said casing (1) is a watertight casing filled with nitrogen.
  9. Aircraft equipped with an image acquisition device according to Claim 7 or 8.
EP08806037.1A 2007-06-22 2008-06-19 De-icing or defogging system for optical instrument and image acquisition device provided with said system Active EP2179629B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0755959A FR2917939B1 (en) 2007-06-22 2007-06-22 SYSTEM FOR DEFROSTING OR DEMEMBING AN OPTICAL INSTRUMENT AND IMAGE ACQUISITION DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A SYSTEM.
PCT/FR2008/051103 WO2009007569A2 (en) 2007-06-22 2008-06-19 De-icing or defogging system for optical instrument and image acquisition device provided with said system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2179629A2 EP2179629A2 (en) 2010-04-28
EP2179629B1 true EP2179629B1 (en) 2016-01-06

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EP (1) EP2179629B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5244907B2 (en)
CN (1) CN101766049A (en)
BR (1) BRPI0812808A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2691569C (en)
FR (1) FR2917939B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2480966C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2009007569A2 (en)

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CN101766049A (en) 2010-06-30
BRPI0812808A2 (en) 2014-12-02
EP2179629A2 (en) 2010-04-28
RU2010101878A (en) 2011-07-27
CA2691569A1 (en) 2009-01-15
JP5244907B2 (en) 2013-07-24
WO2009007569A2 (en) 2009-01-15
JP2010530830A (en) 2010-09-16
FR2917939A1 (en) 2008-12-26
FR2917939B1 (en) 2009-09-04
CA2691569C (en) 2016-08-23
RU2480966C2 (en) 2013-04-27
WO2009007569A3 (en) 2009-03-19
US8445817B2 (en) 2013-05-21
US20110062135A1 (en) 2011-03-17

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