A camera module

Abstract

An imaging module, comprising a lens holder, a lens, and a printed circuit board, characterized in that the lens holder is formed in a hollow shape, the lens is installed inside the lens holder, and the lens holder is installed on the printed circuit board. A cavity of the imaging module is surrounded by the lens holder, the lens, and the printed circuit board, and a vent hole is formed on the lens holder to communicate the cavity with the outside air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module and a defog method for the camera module, and in particular to a camera module with a pressure regulating function and a heating defog function, which can remove water vapor and dust in the camera module and a defog method for the camera module. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of automotive electronics and security technologies, the application of camera modules such as vehicle-mounted cameras has gradually become popular. Camera modules are often exposed to the air and are greatly affected by temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc. For example, in humid and rainy areas such as the south, water vapor is easily accumulated in the camera module, causing the circuit of the camera module to short-circuit, and then causing the camera module to fail to work properly. On the other hand, in dry areas such as the north, dust easily enters the camera module, which can also cause the camera module to malfunction or even be scrapped.

[0003] In addition, in the camera module, in addition to components such as lenses and printed circuit boards, there is usually a certain space (cavity). In areas or seasons with large temperature differences, rapid temperature changes can cause positive or negative pressure in the cavity of the camera module. Positive and negative pressures may cause the accuracy of electronic components to deteriorate, or even cause the entire camera module to be scrapped.

[0004] In this regard, Reference Document 1 (CN206193424U) discloses a camera structure in which an exhaust hole is provided on the lens holder and a desiccant is arranged in the exhaust hole. However, Reference Document 1 only considers the absorption of water vapor and does not consider the treatment of dust.

[0005] In addition, simply opening an exhaust hole cannot completely remove the water vapor in the camera module. In an environment with a large temperature difference, the water vapor in the camera module may still condense, causing fogging in the camera module, seriously affecting the imaging effect. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a camera module and a defog method for the camera module, which have a pressure regulating function and a heating defog function and can remove water vapor and dust in the camera module.

[0007] A camera module according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a lens holder, a lens, and a printed circuit board, and is characterized in that:

[0008] The lens holder is formed into a hollow shape, the lens is installed inside the lens holder, and the lens holder is installed on the printed circuit board. The lens holder, the lens, and the printed circuit board surround a cavity of the camera module.

[0009] An air hole is formed on the mirror base to connect the cavity with the outside air.

[0010] According to the present invention, a camera module can be provided which can avoid positive pressure or negative pressure in the camera module, thereby effectively avoiding damage to electronic components in the camera module.

[0011] Furthermore, preferably, when the camera module is in use, the air vent is formed at a position of the lens holder facing downward in a vertical direction.

[0012] According to the present invention, since the air vent is formed at a position downward in the vertical direction of the lens holder when the camera module is in use, dust can be discharged to the outside of the camera module by the gravity of the dust itself, which can effectively improve the reliability of dust discharge.

[0013] Furthermore, preferably, the vent hole has:

[0014] The first vent hole section is formed into a through hole with substantially the same inner diameter, and one end of the through hole section is connected to the cavity;

[0015] The second air vent segment is formed into a funnel shape with a gradually decreasing inner diameter, and the large diameter end thereof is connected to the other end of the first air vent segment; and

[0016] The third vent segment is formed into a through hole with substantially the same inner diameter, one end of which is connected to the thin-diameter end of the second vent segment, and the other end is connected to the outside air.

[0017] The inner diameter of the thick-diameter end of the second vent segment is larger than the inner diameter of the first vent segment.

[0018] A ventilation passage from the cavity of the camera module to the outside air is formed in the order of the first ventilation hole segment, the second ventilation hole segment, and the third ventilation hole segment.

[0019] According to the present invention, since the second air hole segment is constructed in a funnel shape with a gradually decreasing inner diameter, and the thick-diameter end is connected to the first air hole segment, and the thin-diameter end is connected to the third air hole segment and further to the outside air, it is easy to collect dust, and the dust falling into the second air hole segment is easy to continue falling along the inclined funnel-shaped inner wall of the second air hole segment, and finally discharged to the outside of the camera module.

[0020] At the same time, since the inner diameter of the first air hole segment is smaller than the inner diameter of the thick-diameter end of the second air hole segment connected to the first air hole segment, dust can easily pass from the first air hole segment to the second air hole segment, but even if a small amount of dust enters from the third air hole segment, it is not easy to pass through the funnel-shaped second air hole segment, and it is even more difficult to enter the interior of the camera module 1 from the first air hole segment whose inner diameter is much smaller than the inner diameter of the thick-diameter end of the second air hole segment. In this way, dust in the cavity of the camera module 1 can be effectively discharged while external dust can be prevented from entering the cavity of the camera module 1.

[0021] Furthermore, preferably, the central axis of the first air hole segment and the central axis of the third air hole segment are offset from each other in the radial direction.

[0022] According to the present invention, even if a small amount of dust enters from the third air vent segment, since the dust that has passed through the third air vent segment does not directly face the first air vent segment, the tortuous path can further prevent dust in the outside air from entering the cavity of the camera module through the second air vent segment and the first air vent segment.

[0023] Furthermore, preferably, the second air permeable hole segment is at least partially filled with waterproof and breathable glue.

[0024] According to the present invention, under humid and rainy climate conditions such as in southern China, water vapor and dust in the outside air can be effectively prevented from entering the camera module.

[0025] In addition, preferably, a waterproof breathable membrane covering the third breathable hole segment is attached to the outer surface of the mirror base.

[0026] According to the present invention, under humid and rainy climate conditions such as in southern China, water vapor and dust in the outside air can be effectively prevented from entering the camera module.

[0027] In addition, preferably, the camera module further comprises a protective glass, which is arranged on the side of the lens holder opposite to the side on which the printed circuit board is mounted, and covers and protects the lens.

[0028] A heating unit is provided between the protective glass and the lens group.

[0029] The heating unit is driven by a heating driving unit arranged on the printed circuit board.

[0030] According to the present invention, by providing a heating unit, the water mist can be effectively heated and removed when the camera module is fogged. In addition, since the heating driving unit that drives the heating unit is provided on the printed circuit board, the original printed circuit board of the camera module can be shared, and there is no need to provide a PCBA separately, which can effectively reduce the number of parts, reduce weight and cost, and achieve rapid removal of water mist.

[0031] In addition, preferably, a heating unit is provided between the lens of the lens located most on the light-incoming side and the lens holder.

[0032] The heating unit is driven by a heating driving unit arranged on the printed circuit board.

[0033] According to the present invention, by providing a heating unit, the water mist can be effectively heated and removed when the camera module is fogged. In addition, since the heating driving unit that drives the heating unit is provided on the printed circuit board, the original printed circuit board of the camera module can be shared, and there is no need to provide a PCBA separately, which can effectively reduce the number of parts, reduce weight and cost, and achieve rapid removal of water mist.

[0034] A camera module defogging method according to another aspect of the present invention uses the aforementioned camera module, and is characterized in that:

[0035] The camera module also has:

[0036] A temperature sensor, detecting the temperature inside the camera module; and

[0037] An image sensor, disposed on the printed circuit board, converts light passing through the lens into an electrical signal;

[0038] An image processing unit, disposed on the printed circuit board, converting the electrical signal of the image sensor into an image signal;

[0039] A heating unit, used to heat and remove the water mist in the camera module; and

[0040] A heating driving unit is provided on the printed circuit board and is used to drive the heating unit.

[0041] The printed circuit board is connected to the vehicle computer ECU.

[0042] The defogging method of the camera module comprises the following steps:

[0043] S1: the vehicle computer ECU receives an image signal from the image processing unit, calculates the imaging quality of the image signal through a preset algorithm, and receives the temperature in the camera module from the temperature sensor;

[0044] S2: The driving computer ECU determines whether the camera module is fogged according to the imaging quality of the calculated image signal, and determines whether the temperature inside the camera module is lower than a preset temperature threshold;

[0045] S3: When the judgment result of step S2 is that the camera module is fogged and the temperature inside the camera module is lower than a preset temperature threshold, the on-board computer ECU sends a command to the heating drive unit to drive the heating unit to perform heating and defogger for a specified time. When the camera module is not fogged or the temperature inside the camera module is above the preset temperature threshold, the process returns to step S1.

[0046] According to the present invention, the driving computer ECU continuously determines whether the camera module is fogged, and can timely perform heating and defog when the camera module is fogged, thereby ensuring the image quality. At the same time, the driving computer ECU continuously monitors the temperature conditions in the camera module, and when the temperature in the camera module is above a predetermined threshold temperature, the heating of the camera module can be stopped, thereby effectively protecting the camera module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the camera module of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air vent of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another air vent of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 5 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of another air vent of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 6 It is a flow chart used to illustrate the defog method of the camera module of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 7 It is a schematic circuit diagram of the defogging structure of the camera module of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 8 It is a schematic illustration of the defogging structure of the camera module of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 9 It is a schematic illustration of the defogging structure of the camera module of the present invention.

[0056] Fig.10 It is a schematic illustration of the defogging structure of the camera module of the present invention.

[0057] Reference numerals:

[0058] 1 Camera module

[0059] 10 Mirror mount

[0060] 20 shots

[0061] 30 Printed Circuit Board

[0062] 40 Cavity

[0063] 110, 110A, 110B vent holes

[0064] 1111 The first vent section

[0065] 1112 Second vent section

[0066] 1113 The third vent segment

[0067] 1114 waterproof breathable membrane

[0068] 1115 waterproof breathable adhesive

[0069] 50 Heating and demisting unit

[0070] 501 Image Sensor

[0071] 502 Image Processing Unit

[0072] 503 Heating drive unit

[0073] 504 Heating unit

[0074] 505 Temperature Sensor DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description of the exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure and its application or use. The present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and to fully express the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that unless otherwise stated, the relative arrangement of the components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values, etc., described in these embodiments should be interpreted as being merely exemplary and not as limiting.

[0076] The words “include” or “comprising” and the like used in the present disclosure mean that the elements before the words include the elements listed after the words, and do not exclude the possibility of also including other elements.

[0077] All terms (including technical terms or scientific terms) used in the present disclosure have the same meanings as those understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be understood to have meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formal sense, unless explicitly defined in this document.

[0078] Components not described in detail in this section, parameters such as specific models of components, relationships between components, and control circuits may be considered as technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant fields, but in appropriate circumstances, such technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0079] (First embodiment)

[0080] The following combination Figure 1 A camera module 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the structure of the camera module 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown, the camera module 1 includes: a lens holder 10, a lens 20, and a printed circuit board 30. The lens holder 10, the lens 20, and the printed circuit board 30 surround a cavity 40 in the camera module 1. It should be noted that the cavity 40 is only a schematic diagram, and should be understood as a cavity that not only includes a larger and more regular space, but also includes tiny gaps between lenses of the lens 20, between the lenses and the lens holder 10, and between the lenses and the printed circuit board 30. In short, the cavity 40 in the camera module 1 refers to a space that can accumulate water vapor or dust. For the sake of convenience, in Figure 1 The cavity 40 is shown in an exaggerated manner.

[0082] The lens holder 10 is a hollow cylindrical shape formed of resin or the like, and contains a lens 20 composed of a plurality of lenses. In addition, a printed circuit board 30 is bonded and fixed to the lens holder 10. The printed circuit board 30 is made of resin or stainless steel or the like. Thus, an optical path from the lens 20 to the printed circuit board 30 is formed.

[0083] Here, since the lens 20 does not completely fill the interior of the lens holder 10, and each lens of the lens 20 itself is not a flat plate, but a concave lens or a convex lens, etc., there are certain gaps between the lenses of the lens 20, between the lenses and the lens holder 10, and between the lenses and the printed circuit board 30 to form the aforementioned cavity 40. Since the camera module 1 is an electronic device, and the camera module 1 is usually closed, the heat generated during operation may cause the air in the cavity 40 to expand, thereby forming a positive pressure inside the camera module 1. On the other hand, in cold areas, etc., lower temperatures may also cause the air in the cavity 40 to contract, thereby forming a negative pressure inside the camera module 1. Positive pressure and negative pressure will affect the accuracy and life of the electronic components in the camera module 1, and are one of the main reasons for the aging of electronic components.

[0084] In this regard, in the present invention, a vent hole 110 is provided on the lens holder 10 or the printed circuit board 30 of the camera module 1. The vent hole 110 can be processed on the lens holder 10 made of resin by drilling or boring. Thus, air can be released or replenished through the vent hole 110, the air pressure inside the camera module 1 can be adjusted, and the electronic components can be effectively protected.

[0085] The following reference Figure 2 The structure of the air vent 110 will be described in detail. Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the air hole 110 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] From the perspective of regulating the air pressure inside the camera module 1 and facilitating processing and manufacturing, the air vent 110 can be set in a through-hole shape with a substantially uniform inner diameter and can be set at any position of the lens holder 10 or the printed circuit board 30. However, in dry climate areas such as the north, due to the high dust content in the air, dust may enter the interior of the camera module 1 through the air vent 110. In addition, dust generated during the manufacturing process of the camera module 1 and dust generated during the operation of the camera module 1 (for example, dust generated by the friction of the internal components of the camera module 1 caused by the vibration of the car) will also remain in the cavity 40 of the camera module 1, thereby adversely affecting the performance and life of the electronic components.

[0087] In this regard, the present invention preferably forms the vent hole 110 at a position facing downward in the vertical direction of the lens holder 10 when the camera module 1 is in use (for example, when assembled to a car). Figure 3 As shown, when the camera module 1 is horizontally mounted, the air vent 110 is disposed on the side wall of the lens holder 10 facing the ground. Figure 1 As shown, when the camera module is tilted (for example, a camera module tilted toward the ground used as a camera module for reversing images), the air vent 110 is disposed at a corner of the side wall of the mirror holder 10 facing the ground. In other words, the air vent 110 is disposed at a position where dust in the cavity 40 can be easily discharged from the cavity 40 by its own gravity.

[0088] In addition, as mentioned above, if the air vent 110 is set to a through hole shape with a substantially uniform inner diameter, dust in the outside air can also easily enter the camera module 1. Here, the air vent 110 preferably includes a first air vent segment 1111, a second air vent segment 1112, and a third air vent segment 1113. The first air vent segment 1111 is configured as a through hole shape with a substantially uniform inner diameter, and one end thereof is connected to the cavity 40. The second air vent segment 1112 is configured as a funnel shape (a trapezoidal cross-section) with a gradually decreasing inner diameter, and its thick-diameter end is connected to the first air vent segment 1111. The third air vent segment is configured as a through hole shape with a substantially uniform inner diameter, and one end thereof is connected to the thin-diameter end of the second air vent segment, and the other end is connected to the outside air. In addition, it is preferred that the inner diameter of the third air vent segment is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the thin-diameter end of the second air vent segment. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the large diameter end of the second vent segment 1112 is larger than the inner diameter of the first vent segment 1111. More preferably, the inner diameter of the large diameter end of the second vent segment 1112 is more than three times the inner diameter of the first vent segment 1111. Thus, a dust discharge passage is formed from the cavity 40 → the first vent segment 1111 → the second vent segment 1112 → the third vent segment 1113 → the outside air. The dust discharge passage also functions as a gas inlet and outlet passage.

[0089] Therefore, since the air hole 110 is arranged at a position of the lens holder 10 facing downward in the vertical direction, that is, a position where the dust in the cavity 40 can be easily discharged from the cavity 40 by its own gravity, the dust in the cavity 40 can easily fall into the air hole 110 and be discharged to the outside of the camera module 1. At the same time, since the second air hole segment is configured as a funnel with a gradually decreasing inner diameter, and the large diameter end is connected to the first air hole segment 1111, and the small diameter end is connected to the third air hole segment 1113 and further connected to the outside air, it is easy to collect dust, and the dust falling into the second air hole segment 1112 can easily continue to fall along the inclined funnel-shaped inner wall of the second air hole segment 1112, and finally be discharged to the outside of the camera module 1.

[0090] At the same time, since the inner diameter of the first vent segment 1111 is smaller than the inner diameter of the thick-diameter end of the second vent segment 1112 connected to the first vent segment 1111, dust easily falls from the first vent segment 1111 to the second vent segment 1112. However, even if a small amount of dust enters from the third vent segment 1113, it is not easy to pass through the funnel-shaped second vent segment 1112, and it is even more difficult to enter the interior of the camera module 1 from the first vent segment 1111 whose inner diameter is much smaller than the inner diameter of the thick-diameter end of the second vent segment 1112. In this way, dust in the cavity 40 of the camera module 1 can be effectively discharged while external dust can be prevented from entering the cavity 40 of the camera module 1.

[0091] Since the mirror holder 10 is made of easily processable materials such as resin, the first air hole segment 1111 and the third air hole segment 1113 can be processed by drilling technology, and the second air hole segment 1112 can be processed by a dovetail boring tool, thereby easily forming the first air hole segment 1111, the second air hole segment 1112, and the third air hole segment 1113.

[0092] Furthermore, it is preferred that the hole axis o1 of the first air hole segment 1111 and the hole axis o2 of the second air hole segment 1112 are mutually offset in the radial direction. Thus, even if a small amount of dust enters from the third air hole segment 1113, since the dust passing through the third air hole segment 1113 does not directly face the first air hole segment 1111, the tortuous path can further prevent dust in the external air from entering the cavity 40 of the camera module 1 through the second air hole segment 1112 and the first air hole segment 1111.

[0093] In addition, the present invention describes an example in which the vent hole 110 is formed on the lens holder 10, but the vent hole 110 may also be formed on the printed circuit board 30. However, since it is difficult to perform complex drilling processing on the printed circuit board, it is preferred to set the vent hole 110 on the lens holder 10 when it is necessary to discharge water vapor and dust.

[0094] (Second embodiment)

[0095] Next, refer to Figure 4 Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining a vent hole 110A having a waterproof structure according to the present invention.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, the difference between the vent hole 110A of this embodiment and the vent hole 110 of the first embodiment is that a waterproof breathable membrane 1114 is further provided at one end of the third vent hole section 1113 that is connected to the outside air. The remaining structure is the same as the vent hole 110 of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted. Specifically, a waterproof breathable membrane 1114 covering the vent hole 110A (third vent hole section 1113) is provided on the lens holder 10 of the camera module 1. The waterproof breathable membrane 1114 is a thin film formed of a PE polymer breathable membrane or the like that allows gas to pass but does not allow liquid to pass.

[0097] By providing the waterproof breathable membrane 1114 , in humid and rainy climates such as in the south, it is possible to effectively prevent moisture in the outside air from passing through the vent holes 110A into the cavity 40 of the camera module 1 and thereby damaging the electronic components.

[0098] Furthermore, by providing the waterproof breathable membrane 1114, dust in the air can be further prevented from entering the cavity 40 of the camera module 1. In addition, since the air vent 110A is provided at a position of the lens holder 10 facing downward in the vertical direction, i.e., a position where dust in the cavity 40 can be easily discharged from the cavity 40 by its own gravity, dust in the cavity 40 can easily fall into the air vent 110. At the same time, since the second air vent segment is configured as a funnel with a gradually decreasing inner diameter, and the large diameter end is connected to the first air vent segment 1111, and the small diameter end is connected to the third air vent segment 1113, dust falling into the second air vent segment 1112 can easily continue to fall into the third air vent segment 1113 along the inclined funnel-shaped inner wall of the second air vent segment 1112, and finally accumulate in the third air vent segment 1113.

[0099] Furthermore, since the inner diameter of the first air hole segment 1111 is smaller than the inner diameter of the thick-diameter end of the second air hole segment 1112 connected to the first air hole segment 1111, dust can easily fall from the first air hole segment 1111 to the second air hole segment 1112, but it is not easy to enter the first air hole segment 1111 from the second air hole segment 1112, which can effectively prevent dust from returning to the cavity 40.

[0100] In addition, the waterproof breathable membrane 1114 may also have a certain viscosity, so that it can absorb dust accumulated in the third breathable hole section 1113 and further prevent the dust from returning to the cavity 40.

[0101] (Third embodiment)

[0102] Next, refer to Figure 5 The ventilation hole 110B according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 5 It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the air hole 110B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] like Figure 5 As shown, the difference between the vent hole 110B of this embodiment and the vent hole 110 of the first embodiment is that a waterproof breathable glue 1115 is filled in the second vent hole segment 1112. The rest of the structure is the same as the vent hole 110 of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted. Specifically, the second vent hole segment 1112 is filled with a colloid such as PU glue with waterproof and breathable functions as the waterproof breathable glue 1115, which is the same as the waterproof breathable membrane 1114 in the second embodiment, and can allow gas to pass through, but cannot allow liquid to pass through.

[0104] By providing the waterproof and breathable adhesive 1115 , in humid and rainy climates such as in the south, it is possible to effectively prevent moisture in the outside air from passing through the vent holes 110B into the cavity 40 of the camera module 1 and thereby damaging the electronic components.

[0105] Furthermore, by providing the waterproof and breathable adhesive 1115, it is possible to further prevent dust in the air from entering the cavity 40 of the camera module 1. In addition, the waterproof and breathable adhesive 1115 can also have an adhesive effect, and the dust that falls from the first ventilation hole section 1111 to the second ventilation hole section 1112 can be adhered by the waterproof and breathable adhesive 1115, thereby effectively preventing the dust from returning to the cavity 40 of the camera module 1.

[0106] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0107] Next, refer to Figure 6 to Figure 10 to describe the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a circuit structure diagram for explaining the fourth embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a flowchart of the operation of the heating and defogging unit 50 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 to Figure 10 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view for explaining the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] As Figure 6 shown, the camera module 1 of the present invention further includes a heating and defogging unit 50. The heating and defogging unit 50 includes: an image sensor 501, an image processing unit 502, a heating drive unit 503, a heating unit 504, and a temperature sensor 505.

[0109] Specifically, the image sensor 501 receives light from the aforementioned lens 20 and converts it into an electrical signal. In the present invention, the image sensor 501 is the same image sensor as the image sensor of the camera module 1, that is, the image sensor of the camera module 1 also serves as the image sensor 501 of the heating and defogging unit 50.

[0110] In addition, the image processing unit 502 receives the electrical signal from the image sensor 501, converts it into an image signal, and sends it to the vehicle computer ECU. The vehicle computer ECU determines whether there is image blurring based on the image signal received from the image processing unit 502, and thus determines whether fogging has occurred in the camera module 1.

[0111] When the vehicle computer ECU determines that fogging has occurred in the camera module 1, it sends a drive signal to the heating drive unit 503 to instruct heating and defogging.

[0112] The heating unit 504 is a unit that can be heated by energization. Through the drive of the heating drive unit 503, the heating unit 504 is heated, thereby heating and removing the water mist in the camera module 1. Details of the heating unit 504 will be described later.

[0113] The temperature sensor 505 is typically composed of a universal temperature sensor. The detection signal of the temperature sensor 505 is sent to the on-board computer ECU. The on-board computer ECU compares the detection signal of the temperature sensor 505 with a preset threshold value. When the preset threshold value is exceeded, a heating stop signal is sent to the heating drive unit 503 to stop heating.

[0114] According to the present invention, since air holes 110 (110A, 110B) are provided on the lens holder 10 of the camera module 1, when the heating and defog unit 50 is working, the water vapor heated into water vapor can be discharged through the air holes 110 (110A, 110B), so that the water vapor in the camera module 1 can be completely removed.

[0115] In addition, since the lens holder 10 of the camera module 1 is provided with air holes 110 (110A, 110B), compared with the case where there are no air holes, it is possible to avoid the positive pressure generated in the camera module 1 when the heating unit 504 is heated, thereby preventing damage to electronic devices.

[0116] In the present invention, the heating drive unit 503 is arranged on the printed circuit board 30 for image processing of the camera module 1. That is, in the present invention, the heating drive unit 503 and the image processing circuit of the camera module 1 share a printed circuit board 30. In the technical field, a printed circuit board is usually provided separately to realize the heating and defog function. In this case, the number of parts increases, and the weight and cost will rise. In contrast, in the present invention, a heating drive unit 503 is added to the original printed circuit board 30 for image processing, and the image sensor 501 for fogging judgment also shares the image sensor originally possessed by the camera module 1, which can reduce the module volume and realize rapid monitoring and control.

[0117] Next, refer to Figure 7 The operation of the heating demisting unit 50 will be described.

[0118] First, in step S1, the image processing unit 502 processes the electrical signal from the image sensor 501 and converts it into an image signal, and sends it to the on-board computer ECU. In addition, the temperature sensor 505 sends the detected temperature signal in the camera module 1 to the on-board computer ECU.

[0119] Next, in step S2, the driving computer ECU uses a preset algorithm to calculate the image quality. For example, when the calculation result shows that the brightness and sharpness of the image have changed beyond a specified range, it is determined that the camera module 1 is fogged. In addition, the driving computer ECU compares the received temperature signal in the camera module 1 with the preset threshold temperature T0. The threshold temperature T0 here is a temperature that will not cause damage to the electronic components in the camera module 1.

[0120] Next, when it is determined that the camera module 1 is fogged and the temperature inside the camera module 1 is lower than the preset threshold temperature T0, the process proceeds to step S3, and the on-board computer ECU sends a drive instruction to the heating drive unit 503, and the heating drive unit 503 drives the heating unit 504 to heat the camera module 1 for a specified time. The "specified time" here can be freely set according to actual conditions, such as 1 second, 0.5 seconds, etc. On the other hand, when it is determined that the camera module 1 is not fogged, or when the temperature inside the camera module 1 is above the preset threshold temperature T0, the process returns to step S1.

[0121] In other words, the on-board computer ECU continuously monitors whether the camera module 1 is fogged and whether the temperature inside the camera module 1 is lower than the preset threshold temperature T0. Only when the camera module 1 is fogged and the temperature inside the camera module 1 is lower than the preset threshold temperature T0, the heating drive unit 503 is instructed to heat the camera module 1. Therefore, when the camera module 1 is not fogged, the heating unit 504 will not work redundantly, which can reduce power consumption. Moreover, when the temperature inside the camera module 1 is above the preset threshold temperature T0, even if fogging occurs, continuous heating will cause the temperature of the camera module 1 to be too high, thereby causing damage to the electronic components. Therefore, the heating conditions are not met, and the process returns to step S1.

[0122] Next, in step S3, after the heating unit 504 performs heating for a predetermined time, the process returns to step S1, and the ECU continues to monitor whether the camera module 1 is fogged and whether the temperature inside the camera module 1 is lower than a preset threshold temperature T0. That is, steps S1 to S3 are repeatedly performed until the fog inside the camera module 1 disappears.

[0123] According to the present invention, the driving computer ECU continuously determines whether the camera module 1 is fogged, and can timely heat and defog the camera module 1 when fogging occurs, thereby ensuring the image quality. At the same time, the driving computer ECU continuously monitors the temperature conditions in the camera module 1, and when the temperature in the camera module 1 is above a predetermined threshold temperature, the heating of the camera module 1 can be stopped, thereby effectively protecting the camera module 1.

[0124] In addition, in the aforementioned embodiment, the heating unit 504 performs heating for a specified time, but the heating unit 504 may continue heating and stop heating when the temperature sensor 505 detects that the temperature in the camera module 1 is above a predetermined threshold temperature.

[0125] Next, refer to Figure 8-Figure 10 The detailed structure of the heating unit 504 of the present invention will be described. Figure 8-Figure 10 It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view for explaining the heating unit 504.

[0126] like Figure 8 As shown, in the case where the camera module 1 is a surround view lens (fisheye lens), the heating unit 504 is a conductive silver paste disposed between the 01 piece of the lens 20 of the camera module 1 and the lens holder 10 .

[0127] Specifically, the 01 lens of the lens 20 is the outermost lens, covering the other lenses of the lens 20 and being joined and fixed to the lens holder 10. In this embodiment. In this case, by setting a ring-shaped conductive silver paste at the joint of the 01 lens and the lens holder 10, and connecting the conductive silver paste to the heating drive unit 503 provided on the printed circuit board 30 through an electric wire, the conductive silver paste can be driven by the printed circuit board 30 and powered on to generate heat, thereby evaporating and removing the water mist in the camera module 1. The water vapor heated to a gaseous state can be discharged into the outside air through the air vents 110 (110A, 1110B).

[0128] In addition, by providing a ring-shaped conductive silver paste at the joint between the lens 20 and the lens holder 10, the conductive silver paste can also function as a seal between the lens 20 and the lens holder 10, thereby eliminating the need to provide a sealing gasket or other parts.

[0129] In addition, if Fig. 9 As shown, in the case where the camera module 1 is a small-angle lens, an annular PI film can be arranged under the outermost protective glass of the camera module 1 as a heating unit 504.

[0130] As in the case of the surround view lens, the PI film is connected to the heating drive unit 503 provided on the printed circuit board 30 through an electric wire, and the conductive silver paste can be driven and energized to generate heat through the printed circuit board 30, thereby evaporating and removing the water mist in the camera module 1. The water vapor heated to a gaseous state can be discharged to the outside air through the air holes 110 (110A, 1110B).

[0131] In addition, if Fig.10As shown, in the case where the camera module 1 is a large-window lens, since a protective glass with a larger area is provided on the outermost side of the camera module 1, a mesh ITO film can be provided under the protective glass to serve as a heating unit 504.

[0132] As in the case of the surround lens and the small window lens, the ITO film is connected to the heating drive unit 503 provided on the printed circuit board 30 through the wire, and the conductive silver paste can be driven and energized to generate heat through the printed circuit board 30, thereby evaporating and removing the water mist in the camera module 1. The water vapor heated to a gaseous state can be discharged to the outside air through the air holes 110 (110A, 1110B).

[0133] In addition, in the present invention, the case where the lens holder 10 and the lens 20 are separately provided is described. However, the lens holder 10 and the lens 20 may also be provided integrally, and a vent hole is provided on the lens holder 10.

[0134] Furthermore, in the present invention, when dust removal is not necessary, ventilation holes may be provided in the printed wiring board 30, and a waterproof ventilation membrane or the like may be provided as required.

[0135] The above describes the specific implementation methods of the present invention, but it should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are only used to explain the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, according to the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An imaging module, comprising a lens holder, a lens, and a printed circuit board, Characterized in that, The lens holder is formed in a hollow shape, the lens is installed inside the lens holder, and the lens holder is installed on the printed circuit board, and a cavity of the imaging module is surrounded by the lens holder, the lens, and the printed circuit board, A vent hole is formed on the lens holder to communicate the cavity with the outside air, In the usage state of the imaging module, the vent hole is formed at a position of the lens holder facing downward in the vertical direction, The vent hole has: A first vent hole section, formed as a through hole with a uniform inner diameter, one end of which communicates with the cavity; A second vent hole section, formed as a funnel shape with a gradually decreasing inner diameter, the thick diameter end of which communicates with the other end of the first vent hole section; and A third vent hole section, formed as a through hole with a uniform inner diameter, one end of which communicates with the thin diameter end of the second vent hole section, and the other end communicates with the outside air, The inner diameter of the thick diameter end of the second vent hole section is more than 3 times the inner diameter of the first vent hole section, In the order of the first vent hole section, the second vent hole section, and the third vent hole section, a vent passage from the cavity of the imaging module to the outside air is formed, The central axis of the first vent hole section and the central axis of the third vent hole section are radially offset from each other.

2. The imaging module according to claim 1, At least part of the second vent hole section is filled with a waterproof and breathable adhesive.

3. The imaging module according to claim 1, A waterproof and breathable film covering the third vent hole section is attached to the outer surface of the lens holder.

4. The imaging module according to claim 1, The imaging module further includes a protective glass, which is provided on the side of the lens holder opposite to the side where the printed circuit board is installed, covering and protecting the lens, A heating unit is provided between the protective glass and the lens group, The heating unit is driven by a heating driving unit provided on the printed circuit board.

5. The imaging module according to claim 1, A heating unit is provided between the lens closest to the light incident side of the lens and the lens holder, The heating unit is driven by a heating driving unit provided on the printed circuit board.

6. The imaging module according to any one of claims 1-5, Characterized in that, The imaging module further includes: A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the imaging module; and An image sensor provided on the printed circuit board for converting the light passing through the lens into an electrical signal; An image processing unit provided on the printed circuit board for converting the electrical signal of the image sensor into an image signal; A heating unit for heating and removing the water mist inside the imaging module; And A heating driving unit provided on the printed circuit board for driving the heating unit, The printed circuit board is connected to the vehicle computer ECU.

Images