Dual waterproof self-cleaning lens and camera module applying same

Abstract

According to the dual-waterproof self-cleaning lens and the camera module applying the same, the piezoelectric ceramic is integrated below the front-end lens of the lens, so that the piezoelectric material can be powered by the conductive element to realize high-frequency vibration, and the front-end lens is driven to clean dirt on the surface of the lens; the peripheral side and the bottom of the front-end lens are respectively provided with a sealing structure, double waterproofing can be achieved structurally, the vibration performance of the piezoelectric ceramic is fully released, compared with a traditional camera module, the piezoelectric ceramic is arranged in the lens, the ultrasonic cleaning function is added, the structure is simple, and the application range is wide. The lens module is beneficial to miniaturization, is suitable for AA, thread and integrated lenses, and can clean rainwater and dust.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of lenses, and in particular to a double waterproof self-cleaning lens and a camera module using the same. Background Art

[0002] With the innovation of science and technology, the application fields of camera equipment have become more diversified, and the number of installations has also increased rapidly. From security monitoring to drones and intelligent driving, due to the increasing demand for outdoor use, the impact of environmental factors such as dust and rain on the imaging quality of camera modules has also attracted much attention from users. Some camera equipment used in outdoor environments, such as highway monitoring cameras, are installed in high and difficult-to-reach locations, making manual cleaning difficult and requiring high maintenance costs. Camera modules for intelligent driving, such as CMS, require timely cleaning of dust and rainwater attached to the lens surface to ensure their imaging effect and thus enhance the user experience.

[0003] There is an innovative self-cleaning lens that is equipped with a piezoelectric ceramic that can vibrate to defog to ensure the cleanliness of the outer surface of the camera's first lens. This piezoelectric ceramic has strong functionality, but also has higher requirements for the sealing of the lens. During use, external moisture and liquid can easily invade the interior of the module through the sealing gap during actuation, causing short-circuit damage to the module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the problem that existing camera equipment cannot clean the lens surface in time, the present invention provides an integrated camera module self-cleaning system concept. The optical lens has a built-in piezoelectric ceramic ring device. According to the piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric ceramic ring is powered and vibrated to generate ultrasonic waves, which cleans the dirt on the lens surface and ensures the imaging quality of the camera equipment. At the same time, a double sealing structure is set on the front-end lens to achieve double waterproofing, ensuring the safety of the environment inside the camera module during the operation of the lens cleaning function, avoiding the intrusion of external liquids, ensuring the electrical function safety of the camera module, and avoiding leakage when the related movable structure moves, causing short-circuit damage.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a double waterproof self-cleaning lens, which at least includes a lens barrel, a front end lens, a pressure cover, a piezoelectric ceramic and a conductive element. The front end of the lens barrel is provided with a raised step portion, and the front side of the lens barrel is provided with a mounting cavity located in the step portion. The bottom of the front end lens rests on the step portion. The pressure cover cooperates with the front end of the lens barrel to lock the front end lens on the lens barrel. The piezoelectric ceramic is arranged in the mounting cavity and fixed to the bottom of the first lens. One end of the conductive element is electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic and the other end extends to the rear side of the lens barrel. A first sealing member is provided between the outer periphery of the bottom of the front end lens and the step portion, and a second sealing structure is provided between the peripheral side of the front end lens and the step portion and / or the pressure cover.

[0006] In the double waterproof self-cleaning lens as described above, the peripheral side of the front lens is in close contact with the inner side wall of the step portion, and the second sealing structure is provided between the peripheral side of the front lens and the inner side wall of the step portion.

[0007] In the double waterproof self-cleaning lens as described above, the peripheral side of the front lens is in close contact with the inner side wall of the pressure cover, and the second sealing structure is provided between the peripheral side of the front lens and the inner side wall of the pressure cover.

[0008] In the double waterproof self-cleaning lens as described above, the first sealing member is waterproof silicone or a sealing ring, and the second sealing structure is waterproof silicone.

[0009] In the double waterproof self-cleaning lens as described above, the piezoelectric ceramic is ring-shaped, its front end face is bonded to the bottom end face of the front lens, and its outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the front lens and its inner diameter is larger than the light aperture of the front lens.

[0010] In the double waterproof self-cleaning lens as described above, there is a distance between the bottom and the peripheral side of the piezoelectric ceramic and the installation cavity.

[0011] As described above, the double waterproof self-cleaning lens comprises an outer lens barrel located on the outside and an inner lens barrel detachably arranged in the middle of the outer lens barrel, the step portion is arranged at the front end of the outer lens barrel, and the middle of the inner lens barrel has a lens groove for installing the rear lens group.

[0012] As described above, a double waterproof self-cleaning lens is provided between the outer lens barrel and the inner lens barrel, and a wire groove is provided between the outer lens barrel and the inner lens barrel. One end of the conductive element is electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic, and the other end extends through the wire groove to the rear end or side end of the lens barrel.

[0013] A dual waterproof self-cleaning lens as described above, wherein the middle portion of the lens barrel has a lens slot for mounting the rear lens group; A wire groove communicating with the mounting cavity is formed on the inner wall of the lens barrel. One end of the conductive element is electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic, and the other end passes through the wire groove and extends to the rear end or side end of the lens barrel.

[0014] Another object of the present application is to provide a camera module, including the above-mentioned dual waterproof self-cleaning lens.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: The present application provides a double waterproof self-cleaning lens and a camera module using the same. By integrating piezoelectric ceramics under the front lens of the lens, the piezoelectric material can be powered by a conductive element to achieve high-frequency vibration, driving the front lens to clean the dirt on the lens surface. The front lens of the present application is provided with sealing structures on the sides and bottom respectively, which can achieve double waterproofing and fully release the vibration performance of the piezoelectric ceramics. Compared with traditional camera modules, the camera module of the present application has piezoelectric ceramics built into the lens, and an ultrasonic cleaning function is added. The structure is simple, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the lens module and is suitable for AA, threaded, and integrated lenses, and can clean rainwater and dust. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a dual waterproof self-cleaning lens in Example 1 of the present application; Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a dual waterproof self-cleaning lens in Example 2 of the present application; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a dual waterproof self-cleaning lens in Example 3 of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the present application provides a double waterproof self-cleaning lens, which at least includes a lens barrel 1, a front end lens 2, a pressure cover 3, a piezoelectric ceramic 4 and a conductive element 5. The front end of the lens barrel 1 is provided with a raised step portion 101, and the front side of the lens barrel 1 is provided with a mounting cavity 102 located in the step portion 101. The bottom of the front end lens 2 rests on the step portion 101. The pressure cover 3 cooperates with the front end of the lens barrel 1 to lock the front end lens 2 on the lens barrel 1. The piezoelectric ceramic 4 is arranged in the mounting cavity 102 and fixed to the bottom of the first lens 2. One end of the conductive element 5 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic 4 and the other end extends to the rear side of the lens barrel 1. A first sealing member 6 is provided between the outer periphery of the bottom of the front end lens 2 and the step portion 101, and a second sealing structure 7 is provided between the peripheral side of the front end lens 2 and the step portion 101 and / or the pressure cover 3.

[0019] An embodiment of the present application provides a double waterproof self-cleaning lens. By integrating piezoelectric ceramics under the front lens of the lens, the piezoelectric material can be powered by a conductive element to achieve high-frequency vibration, driving the front lens to clean the dirt on the lens surface. The front lens of the present application is respectively provided with sealing structures on the sides and bottom, which can achieve double waterproofing and fully release the vibration performance of the piezoelectric ceramics. Compared with the traditional camera module, the camera module of the present application has the piezoelectric ceramics built into the lens, and adds an ultrasonic cleaning function. The structure is simple, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the lens module and is suitable for AA, threaded, and integrated lenses, and can clean rainwater and dust.

[0020] Specifically, if Figure 1 Example 1 and Figure 2 As shown in Example 2, the front lens 2 of the present application is closely attached to the inner wall of the step portion 101, and the second sealing structure 7 is provided between the front lens 2 and the inner wall of the step portion 101. The present application adopts a double waterproof structure to overcome the problem of weakening the overall airtightness of the module due to vibration of the front lens, which in turn leads to the intrusion of external liquids, ensuring the safety of the internal environment of the camera module during functional operation, and effectively preventing the sealing degradation of the movable structure, thereby preventing leakage of the piezoelectric ceramic during actuation, which may cause short-circuit damage.

[0021] As another preferred embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 As shown in Example 3, the front lens 2 is in close contact with the inner wall of the gland 3, and the second sealing structure 7 is provided between the front lens 2 and the inner wall of the gland 3. This application adopts a double waterproof structure to overcome the problem of weakening the overall airtightness of the module due to vibration of the front lens, which in turn leads to the intrusion of external liquids, ensuring the safety of the internal environment of the camera module during functional operation, and effectively dealing with the attenuation of the sealing of the movable structure, avoiding leakage when the piezoelectric ceramic is actuated, resulting in short-circuit damage.

[0022] Furthermore, as a further preferred embodiment of the present application, the first sealing member 6 is a waterproof silicone or a sealing ring, and the second sealing structure 7 is a waterproof silicone. Figure 1-2 As shown, the front end of the front lens 2 is waterproof sealed by waterproof silicone, and at the same time, the bottom end of the front lens 2 is waterproof sealed by waterproof silicone or a sealing ring, or as shown Figure 3 As shown, the outer diameter of the front lens 2 can be limited by a pressure cover, and the pressure cover is sealed with glue on the front lens 2 and glue on the bottom end of the first lens. This application can achieve double waterproofing.

[0023] Furthermore, the piezoelectric ceramic 4 is annular, with its front end bonded to the bottom end of the front lens 2. Its outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the front lens 2, and its inner diameter is larger than the aperture of the front lens 2. This design prevents the piezoelectric ceramic from affecting the lens's imaging. In the specific embodiment of the present application, the upper surface of the piezoelectric ceramic 4 is bonded to the lower surface of the front lens 2. The upper surface of the piezoelectric ceramic ring is bonded to the front lens 2 via glue.

[0024] Further preferably, there is a gap between the bottom and the periphery of the piezoelectric ceramic 3 and the mounting cavity 102. The piezoelectric ceramic 2 is in a suspended state, and there is a gap between the piezoelectric ceramic and the lens barrel. The periphery and bottom of the piezoelectric ceramic do not contact any parts, thereby reducing the transmission of vibration through the lens barrel to the lens module 8, improving the imaging quality. The suspended state can avoid affecting the imaging clarity of the optical lens.

[0025] Preferably, the piezoelectric ceramic 4 is made of PZT-4. This invention innovatively integrates a PZT-4 piezoelectric ceramic ring beneath the front-end lens 2. By supplying power to the piezoelectric material, high-frequency vibration is achieved, driving the front-end lens 2 to clean dirt from the lens surface. Compared to piezoelectric ceramics made of other materials, PZT-4 has more stable performance and less impact on the imaging of the lens module, thus ensuring the imaging quality of the camera device.

[0026] As a preferred embodiment of this application, Figure 2 In the embodiment 2 shown, the lens barrel 1 includes an outer lens barrel 12 located on the outside and an inner lens barrel 13 detachably arranged in the middle of the outer lens barrel 12. The step portion 101 is arranged at the front end of the outer lens barrel 12. The middle of the inner lens barrel 13 has a lens groove 103 for installing the rear lens group 8. In the present application, all parts after the front lens 2 are a separate whole. The whole is not limited to a separate lens barrel. The lens barrel can be disassembled and fixed by gluing or threading. It is guaranteed that it can be processed smoothly, and the vibration state of the front lens 2 has no effect on the subsequent parts, and the optical performance is guaranteed. The bottom end of the front lens 2 is in light contact with the spacer or lens to ensure the spacing between the front lens 2 and the second lens. The front lens 2 component is a separate individual. The force applied to the front lens 2 can be adjusted according to the optimal vibration state of the ceramic piece. As a further improvement, a wire groove 11 communicating with the mounting cavity 102 is provided between the outer lens barrel 12 and the inner lens barrel 13. One end of the conductive element 5 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic 3, and the other end extends through the wire groove 11 to the rear end or side end of the lens barrel 1. The two electrodes of the piezoelectric ceramic 4 are both guided to its lower surface, and the piezoelectric ceramic 4 and the conductive element 5 are bonded by welding or conductive adhesive. Specifically, the conductive element 5 is a power supply wire or FPC, which is connected to the PCBA-2 inside the camera module through the FPC or wire to obtain power. The ceramic piece is powered by the FPC flexible circuit board, and the FPC is connected to the rear end of the lens through the opening of the lens barrel; vibration and heat are generated by supplying power to the ceramic piece, thereby achieving cleaning and heating of the first lens.

[0027] As another preferred embodiment of the present application, Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the lens barrel 1 has a lens slot 103 in the middle for mounting the rear lens group 8; the inner wall of the lens barrel 1 is provided with a wire groove 11 that communicates with the mounting cavity 102. One end of the conductive element 5 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic 3, and the other end extends through the wire groove 11 to the rear end or side end of the lens barrel 1. In the specific embodiment of the present application, the inner wall of the lens barrel 1 is provided with a wire groove 11 that communicates with the mounting cavity 102. The conductive element 5 extends through the wire groove 11 to the rear end or side end of the lens barrel 1. The power supply wire or FPC 3 extends from the bottom of the lens barrel through the internal groove of the lens barrel 5.

[0028] As a further limitation of this application, when the piezoelectric ceramic 4 drives the front lens 2 to vibrate, the maximum amplitude of the front lens 2 in the lens axis is less than the sensitivity of the lens itself. This design does not affect the imaging clarity of the optical lens itself, thereby improving imaging quality.

[0029] The embodiment of the present application provides a camera module, comprising a housing, the above-mentioned double waterproof self-cleaning lens disposed on and exposed from the housing, and a circuit board assembly disposed within the housing, wherein the other end of the conductive element 5 extends to the rear side of the lens barrel 1 and is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly. Compared to conventional camera modules, this camera module has an ultrasonic cleaning function, which can clean rainwater and dust. The front lens of the present application is provided with sealing structures on the sides and bottom, respectively, which can achieve double waterproofing and fully release the vibration performance of the piezoelectric ceramic. The present application is different from the existing solutions in the industry, which use an external ultrasonic lens cover device fixed to the front end of the camera module, which is large in size and heavy in weight. Compared to conventional camera modules, this solution only adds a piezoelectric ceramic sheet under the front lens, and the volume and weight remain almost unchanged.

[0030] The working principle of this solution is: when the camera module is connected to the host and working, the lens surface is dirty due to dust, rain, etc., and the image clarity is affected. At this time, the user can issue a cleaning command through the host. The camera module receives the signal and powers the piezoelectric ceramic ring through the circuit board. Due to the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric ceramic ring inside the optical lens resonates with the front-end lens at the corresponding frequency, and the dirt and water droplets on the lens surface are bounced off, and the lens is cleaned.

[0031] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dual waterproof self-cleaning lens, characterized by: The lens barrel (1) comprises at least one lens barrel (1), a front end lens (2), a pressure cover (3), a piezoelectric ceramic (4) and a conductive element (5); the front end of the lens barrel (1) is provided with a raised step portion (101); the front side of the lens barrel (1) is provided with a mounting cavity (102) located in the step portion (101); the bottom of the front end lens (2) rests on the step portion (101); the pressure cover (3) cooperates with the front end of the lens barrel (1) to lock the front end lens (2) on the lens barrel (1). The piezoelectric ceramic (4) is arranged in the mounting cavity (102) and fixed to the bottom of the first lens (2); one end of the conductive element (5) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic (4) and the other end extends to the rear side of the lens barrel (1); a first sealing member (6) is provided between the outer periphery of the bottom of the front lens (2) and the step portion (101); and a second sealing structure (7) is provided between the peripheral side of the front lens (2) and the step portion (101) and / or the pressure cover (3).

2. The dual waterproof self-cleaning lens according to claim 1, characterized in that: The peripheral side of the front end lens (2) is in close contact with the inner side wall of the step portion (101), and the second sealing structure (7) is provided between the peripheral side of the front end lens (2) and the inner side wall of the step portion (101).

3. The dual waterproof self-cleaning lens according to claim 1, characterized in that: The peripheral side of the front end lens (2) is in close contact with the inner side wall of the pressure cover (3), and the second sealing structure (7) is provided between the peripheral side of the front end lens (2) and the inner side wall of the pressure cover (3).

4. The dual waterproof self-cleaning lens according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first sealing member (6) is waterproof silicone or a sealing ring, and the second sealing structure (7) is waterproof silicone.

5. The dual waterproof self-cleaning lens according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piezoelectric ceramic (4) is annular, with its front end surface bonded to the bottom end surface of the front end lens (2), and its outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the front end lens (2), and its inner diameter is larger than the light aperture of the front end lens (2).

6. The dual waterproof self-cleaning lens according to claim 5, characterized in that: There is a distance between the bottom and the peripheral side of the piezoelectric ceramic (3) and the installation cavity (102).

7. The dual waterproof self-cleaning lens according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lens barrel (1) comprises an outer lens barrel (12) located on the outside and an inner lens barrel (13) detachably arranged in the middle of the outer lens barrel (12); the step portion (101) is arranged at the front end of the outer lens barrel (12); and the middle of the inner lens barrel (13) has a lens groove (103) for mounting a rear lens group (8).

8. The dual waterproof self-cleaning lens according to claim 7, characterized in that: A wire groove (11) communicating with the mounting cavity (102) is provided between the outer lens barrel (12) and the inner lens barrel (13); one end of the conductive element (5) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic (3), and the other end passes through the wire groove (11) and extends to the rear end or side end of the lens barrel (1).

9. The dual waterproof self-cleaning lens according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle portion of the lens barrel (1) has a lens slot (103) for mounting a rear lens group (8); The inner wall of the lens barrel (1) is provided with a wire groove (11) communicating with the mounting cavity (102); one end of the conductive element (5) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric ceramic (3), and the other end passes through the wire groove (11) and extends to the rear end or side end of the lens barrel (1).

10. Camera module, characterized by: A double waterproof self-cleaning lens comprising any one of claims 1-9.

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