A vehicle-mounted camera device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a camera device, comprising a front shell (1), a rear shell (2) and a partition (3) located between the front shell (1) and the rear shell (2), wherein the front shell and the rear shell are assembled to form a shell cavity, the partition divides the shell cavity into a first chamber (4) and a second chamber (5), the lens assembly is arranged in the first chamber, and the second chamber is used as a gas buffer chamber to balance and adjust the pressure difference between the shell cavity and the shell external environment. The present invention creatively adopts a "sparse" method to solve the problem of aging failure of the camera sealing effect, and through the matching solution of the buffer chamber and the waterproof and breathable component, the solution is simple and efficient, practical and convenient, low-cost, and easy to be used in large-scale commercial production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle-mounted camera technology, and particularly to a vehicle-mounted camera device with anti-fogging, anti-glare, and anti-vibration functions. Background Art

[0002] The continuous development of current camera technology has led to an increasing number of application fields for cameras. The ever-changing application fields and environments have put forward higher requirements for various aspects of the camera's performance. For example, in the field of vehicle-mounted cameras, a higher level of waterproof performance is required. Although waterproof treatment is carried out during the production process of the camera, and the waterproof performance generally reaches IP67, in actual use, problems such as blurred water vapor on the lens, resulting in unclear images and even malfunctions, often occur, and this phenomenon is particularly obvious in cold winters.

[0003] In addition, when applied to the automotive field, the camera is also affected by various weather conditions, such as light intensity, rain, snow, sand, and dust. These factors cause significant changes in the imaging effect of the camera. Coupled with the very complex driving environment of the vehicle, changes in temperature, air pressure, weather conditions, and strong headlight glare in the driving area can all result in unclear image display of the camera. Moreover, repeated high-temperature atomized water vapor adhering to the internal glass of the lens will form a water vapor dry and polluted layer on the lens glass, accelerating the shedding of the coating layer, resulting in a decrease in image quality and a shortened lifespan, and unable to meet the service life of vehicles (ships).

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, most manufacturers usually focus on improving the sealing performance and anti-fogging and waterproof performance of the camera. For example, to meet the requirements of the camera's waterproof level, the method of enhancing sealing is usually adopted. At the connection, methods such as applying glue or using flat gaskets are used to increase the stability and durability of the camera chamber seal. When encountering water vapor atomization, electric heating glass is used to deal with the fogging phenomenon of the camera caused by cold external weather. Generally, a heating coil is used for heating or the heating glass is placed between the lens and the sensor. However, these measures still cannot fully meet the user's needs. In current application practices, it is found that the images of the camera are clear and normal at the beginning, but after being used for a period of time, problems such as water mist film formation and blurred images will occur.

[0005] After long-term practical research, the applicant has summarized and found that the reasons are mainly four points:

[0006] First, the air itself contains water vapor when manufacturing the seal. When the camera is assembled, a small amount of moisture is carried by the internal air due to the chamber

[0007] seal. During operation, the high temperature and high pressure cannot be discharged, forming a hanging mist on the inner wall of the chamber, diffusing inside the lens and affecting the image quality, resulting in blurred images. However, this situation is difficult to avoid in practice;

[0008] Second, poor sealing leads to water vapor ingress. During the use of the camera, water vapor continuously seeps into the electrical module through the gaps of multi-strand wires with poor sealing by the action of gravity, or indirectly seeps into the electrical module through connectors, in-line points of wire harnesses, and grounding points of wire harnesses, which will also cause blurred images. This situation can be improved by improving the sealing means at the connection or increasing the number of sealing points;

[0009] Third, the internal and external pressure difference causes the seal to fail and water to enter. After the camera with good sealing starts to work, the heat dissipated by the internal components makes the temperature of the inner cavity of the camera rise, resulting in a positive high pressure formed by the internal air after heating. On the other hand, after the camera cools down after it stops working, a negative low pressure is formed in the cavity during cooling. That is to say, the heat generated by the internal components of the camera during operation will cause an internal and external pressure difference. This long-term internal and external pressure difference will form repeated pressures on the camera's sealing gasket, circuit board, etc., exacerbating aging and affecting the sealing performance. At the same time, this internal and external pressure difference exists for a long time, and the gas will be discharged outward from the gaps of multi-strand wire harnesses, forming bulges and penetrations at the weak parts of the micropores of the wire harness wrapping layer, or discharging gas by pressing the seal at the connector, thereby destroying the original good sealing performance and causing water vapor to enter.

[0010] In addition, most camera assemblies are sealed in plains and low-altitude areas during assembly, and the internal pressure is basically constant during sealing. However, China has a vast territory with large temperature differences and climate changes. In high-altitude areas, the air pressure is low and the temperature difference is large. If the camera works in such an environment with a large internal and external pressure difference for a long time, it will also lead to a decline in sealing performance and a shortening of service life.

[0011] Fourth, the internal and external pressure difference and working vibration cause distortion and offset of the internal components of the camera. During operation, the internal components of the camera will be subjected to repeated pressure, and will also encounter a working environment with continuous mechanical vibration and metal stress changes. These will all cause slight distortion to the camera circuit board, and the axis points of the lens and sensor will also shift, resulting in poor conditions such as out-of-focus imaging and blurred image quality in some areas.

[0012] According to the applicant's detection and statistics on the reasons for the blurred image quality of vehicle-mounted cameras, the sealing failure and water ingress caused by the internal and external pressure difference during the operation of the camera account for a large proportion, and the distortion and offset of the internal components of the camera caused by the internal and external pressure difference and working vibration of the camera also greatly affect the durability of the camera under complex working conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to propose effective solutions for the above main reasons. Summary of the Invention

[0013] With regard to the existing technical problems, the traditional solution has not yet started from the actual cause of the blurred image quality of the camera, but emphasized the improvement of the sealing method and sealing effect, that is, working hard on the problem of "blocking". However, it is not known that the tighter the "blocking", the more difficult it is to achieve heat dissipation inside, which leads to a greater pressure difference problem of the camera, and the camera seal is more likely to be damaged or fail.

[0014] Through research and analysis by the applicant, the present invention has obtained the real reason for the blurred image quality of the camera, and creatively adopted a "sparse" approach to solve the technical problem. From the perspective of balancing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the camera device, the pressure difference is balanced by adding a buffer chamber (second chamber) and a waterproof and breathable component. Specifically, multiple air flow channels are arranged in a maze-like manner in the main shell of the camera (first chamber) to connect multiple air chamber spaces, so that the gas pressure inside the entire main shell of the camera is adjusted in real time to maintain balance, and then the real-time adjustment of the internal and external pressure difference of the entire camera is achieved through the cooperation of the buffer chamber and the waterproof and breathable component.

[0015] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is specifically as follows:

[0016] A camera device comprises a front shell (1), a rear shell (2) and a partition (3) located between the front shell (1) and the rear shell (2); the front shell and the rear shell are assembled to form a shell inner cavity; the partition divides the shell inner cavity into a first chamber (4) and a second chamber (5); a lens assembly is arranged in the first chamber; and the second chamber serves as a gas buffer chamber to balance and adjust the pressure difference between the shell inner cavity and the environment outside the shell.

[0017] The second chamber achieves pressure balance between the inner cavity of the shell and the environment outside the shell through a first through hole (6) provided on the partition and a second through hole (7) provided on the rear shell.

[0018] A waterproof breathable component (20) is disposed in the first through hole (6) and the second through hole (7). The waterproof breathable component (20) includes one or more waterproof breathable membranes and / or drying sheets.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the lens assembly comprises a shock absorbing assembly consisting of a shock-absorbing rubber ring (8) and a lens shock absorbing ring (9).

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, the front housing (1) is a cylindrical structure having an axis, and a stepped through hole for accommodating the lens assembly is radially extended from the middle section of the interior thereof. The base of the lens assembly is mounted in cooperation with a lens fixing thread (11) formed by machining on the inner side of the stepped through hole. The head of the lens assembly is embedded in the lens shock absorbing ring (9) via a shock-absorbing rubber ring (8), and the lens shock absorbing ring (9) is connected to the front housing (1) via the shock absorbing ring fixing thread (10), thereby mounting and fixing the lens assembly on the front end of the front housing (1).

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, a plurality of axial or radial air flow channels are provided in the camera device for communicating the inner cavity of the housing with the external air of the housing. Specifically, first air flow channels are axially provided on the corresponding two sides of the lens damping ring, and the first air flow channels are used to communicate the first air chamber and the second air chamber on the two axial sides of the lens damping ring. Second air flow channels are axially provided respectively on the extending parts forming the stepped through holes, and third air flow channels are radially provided. One end of the second air flow channel communicates with the second air chamber, and the other end communicates with the third air flow channel; the third air flow channel penetrates through the middle of the front housing and is used to communicate the second air flow channel and the third air chamber formed by the stepped through hole space. A fourth air flow channel is also machined axially on the inner side wall at the rear end of the front housing, and the fourth air flow channel is used to communicate the third air flow channel and the fourth air chamber formed between the front housing and the partition board.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, the number of the first through holes (6) and / or the second through holes (7) can be more than 2, and the installation positions of the first through holes (6) and / or the second through holes (7) can be coaxial or non-coaxial.

[0023] To achieve the purpose of the present invention, the partition board (3) can be a part of the front housing (1) or the rear housing (2), or a separate component connected between the front housing (1) and the rear housing (2). The partition board (3) can be a component of any shape located in the inner cavity of the housing and dividing the inner cavity of the housing into any two parts of cavities.

[0024] To achieve the purpose of the present invention, the connection manner between the front housing (1) and the rear housing (2) should not be limited as long as a relatively independent second chamber can be formed. The rear housing (2) is arranged at the rear part of the front housing (1) in a semi-surrounding or full-surrounding form, and the chamber formed between the front housing (1) and the rear housing (2) is the second chamber (5).

[0025] As a further improvement of the present invention, the damping assembly further includes an annular metal structural member (26). Among them, the shock-absorbing rubber ring (8) is sleeved inside the annular metal structural member (26), and the head of the lens assembly is inserted into the lens fixing hole (27) in the middle of the shock-absorbing rubber ring for fixation. The lens damping ring (9) is connected to the front housing (1) through the damping ring fixing thread (10) formed on its periphery, so as to install and fix the lens assembly at the front end of the front housing;

[0026] The sensor assembly and the circuit board are encapsulated and pressed tightly by potting shock-absorbing glue. The circuit board is directly fixedly connected to the extending part forming the stepped through hole through a sealing screw (29), and a screw hole is provided at the bottom side of the extending part to cooperate with the sealing screw (29) for fixation.

[0027] The partition (3) and the front shell (1), and the partition (3) and the rear shell (2) are connected and fixed by means of sealing screws (29) and screw sealing washers (30), and a sealing rubber pad (31) is provided at the position where the sealing screw is screwed in; a boss portion and a groove portion are processed and arranged on the front shell (1), the partition (3) and the rear shell (2), respectively, so as to form a concave-convex falcon-shaped sealing structure, and sealing washers (32) are provided on the contact surfaces of the boss portion and the groove portion, respectively, and the shape of the sealing washers (32) is the shape of an ohm symbol.

[0028] The outer edges of the joint surfaces of the front shell (1), the partition (3) and the rear shell (2) are respectively provided with first grooves (33) symmetrical in pairs, and the first grooves symmetrical in pairs can be enclosed to form a badminton-shaped structure and filled with liquid glue for curing. The liquid glue can be quickly cured to form a soft colloid.

[0029] Furthermore, the camera device of the present invention also includes a lens and at least one light adjustment component, and also includes at least one temperature adjustment component and / or at least one waterproof and dustproof component; the light adjustment component includes a photosensitive resistor (35), a photochromic EC element (36) and / or an anti-glare element; the temperature adjustment component includes a temperature-sensitive resistor (37); the photosensitive resistor (35) and the temperature-sensitive resistor (37) are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the lens respectively, and the waterproof and dustproof component is arranged on the outer side of the lens and is coaxial with the lens.

[0030] Furthermore, the camera device of the present invention can be applied to various types of transportation vehicles.

[0031] The present invention also provides a vehicle, comprising the camera device described in the aforementioned technical solution.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has achieved the following technical effects:

[0033] 1. Creatively adopt the "loosening" method to solve the problem of aging and failure of camera sealing effect. Through the matching solution of buffer chamber and waterproof breathable components, it is simple and efficient, practical and convenient, low-cost, and easy to use in large-scale commercial production;

[0034] 2. A labyrinth-like gas flow channel is cleverly designed inside the camera housing to connect multiple independent air chambers formed by the installation of components in the housing, so that the gas inside the camera can first achieve air pressure balance when working, preventing local excessive air pressure from causing damage to the camera components;

[0035] 3. By providing waterproof and breathable components on both the partition and the rear housing, once any waterproof and breathable component on the rear housing or the partition is damaged and fails, the other waterproof and breathable component can still play a corresponding role. This dual protection solution greatly improves the sealing effect and service life of the camera;

[0036] 4. A rigid fixed connection is achieved between the circuit board and the front housing through a simple screw connection method, greatly reducing the vibration frequency of the circuit board. Combined with the potting damping rubber directly acting on the circuit board and being fixed to the same metal component as the front-end lens, they are synchronous during vibration and there will be no vibration sources with different frequencies. The overall damping effect of the camera is optimized;

[0037] 5. By supplementing a variety of different sealing means and sealing materials at multiple different connection and sealing locations of the camera, a complete set of sealing solutions are jointly formed, significantly improving the sealing performance of the camera;

[0038] 6. Through the technology of using EC electrochromic glass to reduce light glare and electro-heating to remove water mist, the anti-fog and anti-glare effects of the camera are improved, and the performance of the vehicle-mounted camera is enhanced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The attached drawings listed in the present invention are only for better understanding the technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, but do not constitute any limitation to the technical solutions of the present invention. Among them:

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the waterproof and breathable component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic partial structural diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the camera housing according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the damping component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic sealing structural diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic front sealing structural diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0046] The present invention will be further described in detail and completely below in combination with specific embodiments. The following description is essentially only exemplary and not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or use.

[0047] The camera module of the present invention includes a front housing 1, a rear housing 2, and a partition 3 located between the front housing 1 and the rear housing 2. The front housing 1 and the rear housing 2 are assembled to form an inner cavity of the housing. The partition divides the inner cavity of the housing into a first chamber 4 and a second chamber 5. A lens module is disposed in the first chamber 4, and the second chamber 5 serves as a gas buffer chamber to balance and regulate the pressure difference between the inner cavity of the housing and the external environment of the housing. Specifically, the second chamber 5 achieves pressure balance between the inner cavity of the housing and the external atmospheric environment of the housing through a first through hole 6 provided on the partition and a second through hole 7 provided on the rear housing.

[0048] The front housing 1 is a cylindrical structure with an axis. A stepped through hole for accommodating the lens module extends radially in the middle of its interior. The base of the lens module is fitted and installed with a lens fixing thread 11 formed on the inner side of the stepped through hole. The head of the lens module is embedded into a lens shock-absorbing ring 9 through a shock-absorbing rubber ring 8. The lens shock-absorbing ring 9 is connected to the front housing 1 through a shock-absorbing ring fixing thread 10, thereby installing and fixing the lens module at the front end of the front housing 1. First air channels are axially provided on both corresponding sides of the lens shock-absorbing ring 9, and the first air channels are used to communicate the first air chamber and the second air chamber on both axial sides of the lens shock-absorbing ring 9. Second air channels are axially provided respectively at the extending parts forming the stepped through hole, and third air channels are radially provided. One end of the second air channel communicates with the second air chamber, and the other end communicates with the third air channel; the third air channel penetrates through the middle of the front housing 1 and is used to communicate the second air channel and a third air chamber formed by the space of the stepped through hole. A fourth air channel is also machined on the inner side wall of the rear end of the front housing 1 in the axial direction, and the fourth air channel is used to communicate the third air channel and a fourth air chamber formed between the front housing 1 and the partition 3.

[0049] As Figure 1-2 shown, a waterproof and breathable component 20 is disposed in the first through hole 6 of the partition 3. The waterproof and breathable component 20 is specifically a waterproof and breathable valve including a waterproof and breathable material. The waterproof and breathable valve is composed of a mounting member 21 and a pressing member 22. An axially penetrating ventilation hole 23 is formed on the axis of the mounting member 21 and the pressing member 22. The outer shape of the waterproof and breathable valve is a T-shaped structure. The mounting member 21 is connected to the first through hole by a thread, and a groove for accommodating a waterproof and breathable film 24 is further provided on the top of the mounting member. The protruding part of the pressing member 22 is connected to the groove by a thread or a pre-tightening fit to realize the pressing and fixing of the waterproof and breathable film 24. Thus, by disposing the waterproof and breathable component 20 in the first through hole 6, the gas communication and pressure regulation between the fourth air chamber and the second chamber 5 can be realized, and the water vapor can be prevented from entering the interior of the first chamber 4 from the second chamber 5 through the waterproof and breathable film 24.

[0050] Similarly, a waterproof and breathable component 20 is also provided on the second through hole 7 of the rear housing 2, so that gas communication and pressure regulation between the second chamber 5 and the external environment of the housing can be achieved, and water vapor can be prevented from entering the second chamber 5 from the outside of the housing through the waterproof and breathable membrane 24.

[0051] So far, the working method of the camera of the present invention to balance the internal and external pressure differences is as follows: when the camera starts to work, the heat generated by the operation of the lens assembly causes the temperature and pressure in the first chamber 4 (especially in the first air chamber and the second air chamber) to rise. The gas in the first air chamber is introduced into the second air chamber through the first air flow channel, and the gas in the second air chamber and the third air chamber is introduced into the fourth air chamber through the second air flow channel, the third air flow channel, and the fourth air flow channel, so as to achieve pressure balance in each space inside the first chamber 4. The waterproof and breathable component 20 provided on the first through hole 6 of the partition 3 realizes gas communication and pressure regulation between the fourth air chamber and the second chamber 5, and then through the waterproof and breathable component 20 provided on the second through hole 7 of the rear housing 2, gas communication and pressure regulation between the second chamber 5 and the external environment of the housing are realized, thus avoiding the phenomenon of internal and external pressure differences caused by the heat generated during the operation of the camera, and solving the problem of image blurring caused by the entry of water vapor while ensuring the overall sealing of the camera. Correspondingly, when the camera stops working and cools down or encounters external high temperature, the air flow flows through the opposite path to adjust the pressure difference.

[0052] It should be noted that the second chamber 5 serves as a buffer area between the high-pressure area of the first chamber 4 and the low-pressure area outside the housing, which can effectively buffer and regulate the pressure change, and prevent damage to the camera components caused by too fast pressure change. In addition, waterproof and breathable components 20 are respectively provided on the partition 3 and the rear housing 2, which can double protect and improve the waterproof and breathable effect, because once any one of the waterproof and breathable components 20 on the rear housing 2 or the partition 3 is damaged and fails, the other waterproof and breathable component 20 can still play a corresponding role.

[0053] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the waterproof and breathable component 20 includes a waterproof and breathable membrane 24 and a drying sheet (not shown in the drawings), and the number of the waterproof and breathable membrane 24 and the drying sheet is more than one. The drying sheet is made of a hygroscopic drying material, and the selectable materials include activated carbon, graphene, silica gel, montmorillonite, and / or calcium chloride, etc., or a commercially available fiber drying sheet can also be used. By adding a drying sheet to adsorb and dry the water vapor or liquid moisture in the camera housing, and prevent the intrusion of external water vapor or moisture. Optionally, the drying sheet can also be attached or fixed to the inner wall of the camera housing in a sticking manner, not limited to being installed in the waterproof breathable valve. The waterproof and breathable membrane 24 is preferably a polytetrafluoroethylene waterproof and breathable membrane.

[0054] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the number and arrangement positions of the first through hole 6 and / or the second through hole 7 can be adjusted according to circumstances. The number of the first through hole 6 or the second through hole 7 can be more than 2, and the installation and arrangement of the first through hole 6 and the second through hole 7 can be coaxially arranged or non-coaxially arranged.

[0055] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the partition plate 3 can be a part of the front shell 1, can be a separate component connected between the front shell 1 and the rear shell 2, or can be a component of any shape located in the inner cavity of the shell and dividing the inner cavity of the shell into any two parts of the cavity.

[0056] As Figure 3 shown in Figure 3 Figures (a) to (c), as one of the embodiments of the present invention, the rear shell 2 can be axially connected to the rear part of the partition plate 3, or can be arranged in a semi-surrounding or full-surrounding form at the rear part or all of the front shell 1. At this time, the rear part of the front shell 1 is used as a deformation of the partition plate 3 to realize the partitioning of the chamber. That is, as long as a relatively independent buffer chamber (the second chamber 5) can be formed between the front shell 1 and the rear shell 2 to achieve the technical effect of balancing the internal and external pressure differences, it belongs to the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0057] As Figure 3 shown in Figure (d), as one of the embodiments of the present invention, the partition plate 3 can also be omitted, and the inner cavity of the shell is only composed of the front shell 1 and the rear shell 2. At this time, the inner cavity of the shell no longer has a relatively independent second chamber. In order to achieve the purpose of balancing the internal and external pressure differences of the present invention, one or more first through holes 6 and / or second through holes 7 are provided on the front shell 1 and / or the rear shell 2, and a waterproof and breathable component 20 is arranged in the first through hole 6 and / or the second through hole 7. That is, as long as a waterproof and breathable component is arranged on the shell to realize the air flow interaction between the inside and outside and balance the internal and external pressure differences, it belongs to the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0058] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the first air flow channel and / or the second air flow channel can also be set to be radial, penetrating through the middle of the front shell 1, and at the same time, a waterproof and breathable component is installed in the processing hole for forming an air flow path between the first air chamber and / or the second air chamber and the outside air. That is, as long as an air flow interaction can be formed between the first air chamber, the second air chamber, the third air chamber, the fourth air chamber and the outside air to achieve the technical solution of balancing the internal and external pressure differences, it belongs to the scope protected by the present invention.

[0059] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the mounting member 21 of the waterproof and breathable valve and the pressing member 22 are fixedly connected by an adhesive to realize the pressing installation of the waterproof and breathable component 20. Those skilled in the art can understand that the installation method of the waterproof and breathable valve and its various components depends on the ease of disassembly during the maintenance and replacement process, and other connection and installation methods known in the prior art can be selected for replacement, which all belong to the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0060] As described above, the pressure difference inside and outside the camera and the working vibration will also cause distortion and displacement of the internal components of the camera, which will have an adverse effect on the camera imaging. As another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides a solution for camera anti-vibration. The traditional solutions for camera anti-vibration mainly focus on the wrapping rubber ring of the camera, the connection of plastic parts to the circuit board and the lens, etc. However, this method causes the connection between the camera and the circuit board to loosen when the camera device vibrates, and the vibration frequencies of the two are inconsistent, and the effect of preventing the circuit board from vibrating is not obvious.

[0061] As Figure 4 shown, the camera device further includes a lens shock-absorbing ring 9 composed of an annular metal structural member 26 and a shock-absorbing rubber ring 8, and potting shock-absorbing glue 28. Among them, the shock-absorbing rubber ring 8 is sleeved inside the annular metal structural member 26, and the head of the lens assembly is inserted into the lens fixing hole 27 in the middle of the shock-absorbing rubber ring 8 for fixation. The lens shock-absorbing ring 9 is connected to the front housing 1 through the shock-absorbing ring fixing thread 10 formed on its outer periphery, so as to install and fix the lens assembly at the front end of the front housing 1; the potting shock-absorbing glue is used to encapsulate and press the circuit board and the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly is located between the lens assembly and the circuit board. The circuit board is directly fixed to the extending part forming the stepped through hole by screws. The bottom side of the extending part is provided with screw holes for cooperating with the above-mentioned screws 29 for fixation. Thus, a rigid fixed connection is achieved between the circuit board and the front housing 1, and the shock-absorbing effect of the circuit board is realized. Then, the potting shock-absorbing glue is directly applied to the circuit board, thereby further improving the shock-absorbing effect on the lens assembly, the sensor assembly and the circuit board.

[0062] As described above, the sealing at the joints of the camera components is also crucial for stability and durability. As another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides a solution for sealing the joints of the camera components.

[0063] As Figure 5 shown, multiple different sealing positions are set on the camera device, supplemented by a variety of different sealing means, which together constitute the overall sealing structure of the camera cavity, significantly improving the waterproof performance of the camera.

[0064] Among them, the partition plate 3 is fixedly connected to the front housing 1 and the partition plate 3 is fixedly connected to the rear housing 2 through the sealing screw 29 and the screw sealing washer 30 respectively. And a sealing gasket 31 is arranged at the screw threading position. The convex platform parts and the groove parts are processed and arranged on the front housing 1, the partition plate 3 and the rear housing 2 respectively, so as to form a concave-convex tenon-shaped sealing structure. And sealing gaskets 32 are respectively arranged on the contact surfaces of the convex platform parts and the groove parts in pairs. The shape of the sealing gasket is in the shape of an ohm symbol. In addition, the outer edges of the joint surfaces of the front housing 1, the partition plate 3 and the rear housing 2 are respectively provided with first grooves 33 which are symmetric in pairs. The first grooves symmetric in pairs can enclose to form a badminton-shaped structure. With the special badminton-shaped structure design, a special shape is formed after the potting liquid glue is cured. Thus, the multi-fold curve design prevents the interaction of internal and external air and water vapor.

[0065] Between the lens fixing hole 27 and the front housing 1, and at the third air flow channel outlet, a sealing connection is carried out through the screw 29 and the screw sealing gasket 30. At the joint of the front housing 1 of the camera and the lens, at the joint of the lens shock-absorbing ring 9 and the front housing 1, and at the cable outlet, liquid glue 34 is filled to realize the sealing of gas and moisture between the front housing 1 and the lens, between the front housing 1 and the lens shock-absorbing ring 9, and at the cable outlet position.

[0066] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the liquid glue can be quickly cured to form a soft colloid. The soft glue has good elasticity. Therefore, in the case that the camera undergoes stress changes due to vibration and metal over the years, or the screws are slightly loose, no steam leakage and water ingress will occur.

[0067] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the first grooves 33 which are symmetric in pairs on the front housing 1, the partition plate 3 and the rear housing 2 preferably can enclose to form a badminton-shaped structure. With the special badminton-shaped structure design, a special shape is formed after the potting liquid glue is cured. The multi-fold curve design prevents the interaction of internal and external air and water vapor.

[0068] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the lens and the front housing 1 can enclose to form a second groove. The shape of the second groove has no special limitation, as long as it can realize the function of filling the colloid, it can be considered as a shape that can be understood and adopted by those skilled in the art.

[0069] As another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides a technical solution for the camera to reduce light glare and remove water mist by means of EC electrochromic glass.

[0070] Such as Figure 6As shown, the camera device further includes a lens, at least one light adjustment component including a photoresistor 35, at least one temperature adjustment component including a temperature-sensitive resistor 37, and / or at least one waterproof and dustproof component (not shown in the drawings). The photoresistor 35 and the temperature-sensitive resistor 37 are respectively arranged on the upper and lower sides of the lens, and the waterproof and dustproof component is arranged outside the lens and coaxial with the lens. Among them, the lens is configured to have a convex surface profile. The convex lens can enhance the impact resistance protection of the camera and provide double protection for the camera lens.

[0071] The light adjustment component further includes a photochromic EC element 36 and / or an anti-glare element. The photochromic EC element 36 can change the light transmission amount according to the light intensity. When the light intensity exceeds the threshold, the color of the element darkens, changing from the light transmission state to the light blocking state, and the light transmission amount decreases. When the light intensity is lower than the threshold, the color of the element brightens, changing from the light blocking state to the light transmission state, and the light transmission amount increases. The anti-glare element is used to automatically reduce the light transmission amount of the lens when the camera device encounters strong light, eliminating the glare effect caused by the strong light.

[0072] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the photochromic material can be selected from metal halides, tungsten compounds, azo compounds, diarylethene compounds, rare earth complexes, transition metal oxides, etc. The photoresistor can be selected from materials such as cadmium sulfide, selenium, aluminum sulfide, lead sulfide, and bismuth sulfide. The anti-glare material can be a nano-silver coating or an inorganic acid such as hydrofluoric acid as a roughening etchant. Those skilled in the art can also select other corresponding materials known in the prior art that can achieve the above functions.

[0073] The temperature adjustment component includes a temperature sensing resistor. The temperature-sensitive resistor senses the external temperature and automatically heats up, effectively eliminating the balance between the internal heat of the camera and the external low temperature, and eliminating the phenomenon of external water mist condensation and wall hanging. The water film on the glass surface fades and evaporates, eliminating the image distortion caused by the water film.

[0074] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, other corresponding materials known in the prior art that can achieve the above functions can be selected.

[0075] The waterproof and dustproof component includes a hydrophobic film formed of a superhydrophobic material, which is formed on the surface of the camera lens by spraying, coating, gluing, and / or a combination thereof. The superhydrophobic material can make the water droplets on the surface of the camera slide off by themselves, and carry away the dust and dirt on the surface when rolling, keeping the surface of the camera clean, and playing a role in hydrophobicity, anti-icing, and dustproofing.

[0076] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the superhydrophobic material can be selected from fluorinated polyurethane, polydimethylsiloxane, modified silicon nanotubes, nano-fluorides, etc. Those skilled in the art can also select other corresponding materials known in the prior art that can achieve the above functions.

[0077] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, after the superhydrophobic film is formed, a C8-C18 straight-chain alkane is coated on the surface of the hydrophobic film to form an enhanced hydrophobic and oleophobic surface. The creatively hydrophobic and oleophobic film of the present invention has an enhanced self-cleaning function, which can not only make the water droplets on the camera surface slide off by themselves, but also prevent the camera from being contaminated by oil when encountering oil stains, achieving the purpose of self-cleaning of the camera.

[0078] The above specific embodiments do not constitute a limitation to the protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and substitutions can occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A camera device, characterized in that: it includes a front housing (1), a rear housing (2), and a partition (3) located between the front housing (1) and the rear housing (2). The front housing and the rear housing are assembled to form an inner cavity of the housing. The partition divides the inner cavity of the housing into a first chamber (4) and a second chamber (5). The lens assembly is arranged in the first chamber, and the second chamber serves as a gas buffer chamber to balance and adjust the pressure difference between the inner cavity of the housing and the external environment of the housing; the second chamber realizes the pressure balance between the inner cavity of the housing and the external environment of the housing through a first through hole (6) provided on the partition and a second through hole (7) provided on the rear housing; a waterproof and breathable component (20) is arranged in the first through hole (6) and the second through hole (7); the lens assembly has a shock-absorbing component composed of a shock-absorbing rubber ring (8) and a lens shock-absorbing ring (9); the front housing (1) is a cylindrical structure with an axis. A stepped through hole for accommodating the lens assembly extends radially in the middle of its interior. The base of the lens assembly is installed in cooperation with a lens fixing thread (11) formed on the inner side of the stepped through hole. The head of the lens assembly is embedded into the lens shock-absorbing ring (9) through the shock-absorbing rubber ring (8). The lens shock-absorbing ring (9) is connected to the front housing (1) through a shock-absorbing ring fixing thread (10), thereby installing and fixing the lens assembly at the front end of the front housing (1).

2. The camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that, a plurality of axial or radial air flow channels are provided in the camera device for communicating the inner cavity of the housing with the outside of the housing.

3. The camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that, first air flow channels are respectively axially provided on the corresponding two sides of the lens shock-absorbing ring. The first air flow channels are used to communicate a first air chamber and a second air chamber located on the axial two sides of the lens shock-absorbing ring. Second air flow channels are respectively axially provided on the extending parts forming the stepped through hole, and third air flow channels are radially provided. One end of the second air flow channel communicates with the second air chamber, and the other end communicates with the third air flow channel; the third air flow channel penetrates through the middle of the front housing and is used to communicate the second air flow channel and a third air chamber formed by the space of the stepped through hole. A fourth air flow channel is also machined on the inner side wall of the rear end of the front housing in the axial direction. The fourth air flow channel is used to communicate the third air flow channel and a fourth air chamber formed between the front housing and the partition.

4. The camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the waterproof and breathable component (20) includes more than one waterproof and breathable membrane and / or drying sheet.

5. The camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the number of the first through hole (6) and / or the second through hole (7) is more than 2, and the installation positions of the first through hole (6) and / or the second through hole (7) are coaxial or non-coaxial.

6. The camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the partition (3) is a part of the front housing (1) or the rear housing (2), or is a separate component connected between the front housing (1) and the rear housing (2), or is a component with any shape located in the inner cavity of the housing and dividing the inner cavity of the housing into any two parts of the cavity.

7. The camera device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that the connection between the front housing (1) and the rear housing (2) can form a relatively independent second chamber.

8. The camera device according to claim 6, It is characterized in that the rear housing (2) is arranged at the rear part of the front housing (1) in a semi-surrounding or fully surrounding form, and the chamber formed between the front housing (1) and the rear housing (2) is the second chamber (5).

9. The camera device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that the shock-absorbing assembly further includes an annular metal structure member (26). Among them, the shock-absorbing rubber ring (8) is sleeved inside the annular metal structure member (26), and the head of the lens assembly is inserted into the lens fixing hole in the middle of the shock-absorbing rubber ring for fixation. The lens shock-absorbing ring (9) is connected to the front housing (1) through the shock-absorbing ring fixing thread (10) formed on its periphery, so as to install and fix the lens assembly at the front end of the front housing; The potting shock-absorbing glue presses and seals the sensor assembly and the circuit board. The circuit board is directly fixedly connected to the extended part forming the stepped through hole through the sealing screw (29). A screw hole is provided at the bottom side of the extended part to cooperate with the above-mentioned sealing screw (29) for fixation.

10. The camera device according to any one of claims 1-9, It is characterized in that the partition board (3) is respectively connected and fixed to the front housing (1) and the rear housing (2) through the sealing screw (29) and the screw sealing washer (30), and a sealing gasket (31) is arranged at the place where the sealing screw is screwed in; the front housing (1), the partition board (3) and the rear housing (2) are respectively processed and provided with a boss part and a groove part to form a concave-convex tenon-shaped sealing structure, and sealing gaskets (32) are respectively arranged on the contact surfaces of the boss part and the groove part in pairs. The shape of the sealing gasket (32) is in the shape of an ohm symbol.

11. The camera device according to claim 10, It is characterized in that symmetric first grooves (33) in pairs are respectively arranged on the outer edges of the joint surfaces of the front housing (1), the partition board (3) and the rear housing (2). The symmetric first grooves in pairs can enclose and form a badminton-shaped structure, and liquid glue is potted and cured.

12. The camera device according to claim 11, It is characterized in that the liquid glue can be quickly cured to form a soft colloid.

13. The camera device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that it further includes a lens and at least one light adjusting component, and also includes at least one temperature adjusting component and / or at least one waterproof and dustproof component; the light adjusting component includes a photoresistor (35), a photochromic EC element (36) and / or an anti-glare element; the temperature adjusting component includes a temperature-sensitive resistor (37); the photoresistor (35) and the temperature-sensitive resistor (37) are respectively arranged on the upper and lower sides of the lens, and the waterproof and dustproof component is arranged outside the lens and coaxially with the lens.

14. The camera device according to any one of the foregoing claims 1-13, It is characterized in that it can be applied to various types of transportation vehicles.

15. A vehicle, It is characterized in that it includes the camera device according to any one of the foregoing claims 1-14.

16. A camera device, It is characterized in that: The camera device housing is only composed of a front housing (1) and a rear housing (2), and a first through hole (6) is provided on the front housing (1) and / or a second through hole (7) is provided on the rear housing (2); A waterproof and breathable component (20) is arranged in the first through hole (6) and the second through hole (7); The front housing and the rear housing are assembled to form an inner cavity of the housing, and a lens assembly is arranged in the inner cavity of the housing. The lens assembly has a shock-absorbing component composed of a shock-absorbing rubber ring (8) and a lens shock-absorbing ring (9); The front housing (1) is a cylindrical structure with an axis. A stepped through hole for accommodating the lens assembly extends radially in the middle of its interior. The base of the lens assembly is fitted and installed with a lens fixing thread (11) formed by machining on the inner side of the stepped through hole. The head of the lens assembly is embedded into the lens shock-absorbing ring (9) through the shock-absorbing rubber ring (8). The lens shock-absorbing ring (9) is connected to the front housing (1) through a shock-absorbing ring fixing thread (10), so as to install and fix the lens assembly at the front end of the front housing (1).

Images