Camera module and installation method of camera module

Abstract

The invention relates to a camera module and an installation method of the camera module. The camera module comprises a lens comprising a lens barrel; one side of the upper shell is provided with a lens barrel mounting hole, and the upper shell is provided with a bottom wall and a side wall; the circuit board is used for arranging a photosensitive chip, an electronic component and a connector assembly, and one side of the lower shell is opposite to the other side of the upper shell except the side provided with the lens barrel mounting hole, so that a cavity for accommodating one part of the lens, the circuit board, the photosensitive chip, the electronic component and the connector assembly is formed. The lens barrel mounting hole of the upper shell and the lens barrel are in hole-shaft fit, the lens barrel and the upper shell are made of metal materials, a flange part is arranged on the side face of the lens barrel, and the diameter of the flange part is larger than that of the lens barrel mounting hole. And at least one part of the flange part is connected with at least one part of the bottom wall of the upper shell through laser welding.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese invention patent application with the application number 202110467400.3, the application date of April 28, 2021, and the title of "A Camera Module". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of camera modules represented by in-vehicle camera modules, and particularly to a laser welding fixing and sealing structure for a metal lens and a metal housing of a camera module represented by in-vehicle camera modules. Background Art

[0003] With the rapid development of the automotive industry, the application technology of in-vehicle cameras has become increasingly mature. As one of the advanced driving assistance means, camera modules are usually configured in vehicles, especially front-view perception autonomous driving camera modules. The lenses of these camera modules are all made of metal for the lens barrel to ensure that the image quality is within a controllable range when the temperature changes; moreover, the sealing requirements of the camera module are very high, and coupled with the increasing power consumption of high-pixel camera modules, metal housings are used for modules with high heat dissipation requirements.

[0004] Currently, the metal lens and the metal housing are commonly fixed and sealed by using a sealing ring and a threaded locking method. As recorded in Patent Document 1, a rear waterproof camera for vehicles has an external thread on the outer periphery of the housing for fixing the lens to the housing; the housing has an annular trapezoidal groove on the rear side of the lens, and a slope is provided on the trapezoidal groove relative to the rear end face of the lens, and an O-ring rubber sealing ring is provided in the trapezoidal ring groove; there is also a layer of sealing glue layer between the lens and the housing.

[0005] The main disadvantages of the sealing based on the sealing ring are that during assembly, due to the entry of foreign objects or dust, the sealing effect will be affected, and the misalignment during the assembly of the sealing ring will also cause the sealing to fail. The sealing ring is also prone to hardening after long-term use, resulting in sealing failure. When the thread is rotated and assembled, the dust generated by friction may fall into the housing, resulting in image stains. And there is also a risk of loosening of the threaded fixing, resulting in poor sealing or poor image of the camera.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: CN203573070U Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] The present invention is a camera module proposed to solve the problems in the prior art, including:

[0011] A lens, including a lens barrel;

[0012] An upper shell, on one side of which a lens barrel mounting hole is provided, and the upper shell has a bottom wall and a side wall;

[0013] A circuit board for setting a photosensitive chip, electronic components and connectors, and

[0014] A lower shell, on one side of which is opposite to the other side of the upper shell except the side where the lens barrel mounting hole is provided, so as to form a cavity for accommodating a part of the lens, the circuit board, the photosensitive chip, the electronic components and the connectors,

[0015] The lens barrel mounting hole of the upper shell and the lens barrel form a hole - shaft fit,

[0016] The lens barrel and the upper shell are made of metal materials,

[0017] On the side surface of the lens barrel, there is a flange portion, the diameter of the flange portion is larger than the diameter of the lens barrel mounting hole, and at least a part of the flange portion and at least a part of the bottom wall of the upper shell are connected by laser welding.

[0018] In addition, preferably, a first annular boss is provided on the upper surface of the bottom wall of the upper shell,

[0019] The outer diameter of the first annular boss is the same as the outer diameter of the flange portion,

[0020] At least a part of the joint formed by the lower surface of the flange portion and the upper surface of the first annular boss constitutes the laser welding portion.

[0021] In addition, preferably, a first annular groove is provided on the first annular boss, the first annular groove divides the first annular boss into an inner annular convex portion and an outer annular convex portion, and a first annular convex portion corresponding to the first annular groove is provided on the flange portion,

[0022] At least a part of the joint formed by the lower surface of the flange portion and the upper surface of the outer annular convex portion constitutes the laser welding portion.

[0023] In addition, preferably, a second annular groove is provided on the flange portion, the second annular groove divides the flange portion into an inner annular convex portion and an outer annular convex portion, and a second annular convex portion corresponding to the second annular groove is provided on the first annular boss,

[0024] At least a part of the joint formed by the upper surface of the first annular boss and the lower surface of the outer annular convex portion constitutes the laser welding portion.

[0025] In addition, preferably, a first recessed portion is provided on the upper surface of the first annular boss near the outer side of the lens barrel.

[0026] At least a part of the joint formed by the lower surface of the flange portion and the upper surface of the portion of the first annular boss excluding the first recessed portion constitutes the laser welding portion.

[0027] In addition, preferably, a first protruding portion is provided on the upper surface of the first annular boss near the outer side of the lens barrel.

[0028] At least a part of the joint formed by the lower surface of the flange portion and the upper surface of the portion of the first annular boss excluding the first protruding portion constitutes the laser welding portion.

[0029] In addition, preferably, a second annular boss and a third annular boss are provided on the upper surface of the bottom wall of the upper shell. The second annular boss and the third annular boss are integrally formed, and the second annular boss is located inside the third annular boss.

[0030] The height of the third annular boss is higher than the height of the second annular boss, and the height difference between the third annular boss and the second annular boss is substantially the same as the thickness of the flange portion. The inner diameter of the third annular boss is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the flange portion.

[0031] At least a part of the joint formed by the side surface of the flange portion and the inner side surface of the third annular boss constitutes the laser welding portion.

[0032] In addition, preferably, a third annular groove is provided on the second annular boss, and a third annular protruding portion corresponding to the third annular groove is provided on the flange portion.

[0033] In addition, preferably, a fourth annular groove is provided on the flange portion, and a fourth annular protruding portion corresponding to the fourth annular groove is provided on the second annular boss.

[0034] In addition, preferably, an aesthetic seam capable of accommodating a welding molten zone is provided at the laser welding portion.

[0035] The present invention also provides an installation method for a camera module. The installation method for the camera module includes the following steps:

[0036] Mount the other side of the upper shell excluding the side where the lens barrel mounting hole is provided and one side of the lower shell relatively.

[0037] Mount the lens barrel in the lens barrel mounting hole of the upper shell.

[0038] And at least a part of the flange portion is connected to at least a part of the bottom wall of the upper shell by laser welding.

[0039] Advantages of the Invention

[0040] As a beneficial effect of the present invention, the metal lens and the metal housing are fixed by laser welding, there is no risk of loosening, the reliability is improved, and the image quality of the camera module is guaranteed; the metal lens and the metal housing are fixed by laser welding, there is no rotating thread in the lens assembly, there is no risk of dust, and the risk of image stains in the camera module is reduced; the metal lens and the metal housing are sealed by laser welding, reducing the sealing ring material and improving the sealing performance of the housing. Description of the Drawings

[0041] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0042] Figure 1 is an axial sectional view of the camera module of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 is a top view of the welding structure of the camera module of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3a and Figure 3b is a first embodiment of the welding structure of the lens barrel and the upper shell of the camera module of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4a and Figure 4b is a variant of the first embodiment of the welding structure of the lens barrel and the upper shell of the camera module of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5a and Figure 5b is a variant of the first embodiment of the welding structure of the lens barrel and the upper shell of the camera module of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6a and Figure 6b is a second embodiment of the welding structure of the lens barrel and the upper shell of the camera module of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7a and Figure 7b is a variant of the second embodiment of the welding structure of the lens barrel and the upper shell of the camera module of the present invention.

[0049] Description of the Reference Numerals

[0050] Camera module 1; lens 2; lens barrel 21; upper shell 3; bottom wall 31; side wall 32; photosensitive chip 4; circuit board 5; lower shell 6; cavity 7; laser welding parts 8, 81, 82; welding melting zone 9; aesthetic seam 10; flange part 211; first annular boss 311; second annular boss 312; third annular boss 313; first annular groove 3111; second annular groove 2112; third annular groove 3121; fourth annular groove 2116; first annular protruding part 2111; second annular protruding part 3114; third annular protruding part 2115; fourth annular protruding part 3122; inner protruding part 3112, 2113; outer protruding part 3113, 2114; first recessed part 3115; first protruding part 3116.

[0051] It should be understood that the sizes of the various components shown in the drawings are not drawn in actual proportional relationships. In addition, the same or similar reference signs denote the same or similar components. Detailed implementation manners

[0052] Now, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description of the exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and in no way limits 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 convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that: unless otherwise specified, the relative arrangements of components and steps, the compositions of materials, numerical expressions and values, etc. set forth in these embodiments should be construed as merely exemplary and not as limitations.

[0053] The terms such as "including" or "comprising" used in the present disclosure mean that the elements before this word cover the elements listed after this word, and do not exclude the possibility of also covering other elements. "Upper", "lower", "left", "right", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc. are only used to represent relative positional relationships, and when the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0054] All terms used in the present disclosure (including technical terms or scientific terms) 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 a general dictionary should be understood to have meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless specifically defined as such herein.

[0055] Technologies, methods and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant fields may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the said technologies, methods and devices should be regarded as part of the specification.

[0056] An embodiment of the present invention discloses an imaging module 1, as Figure 1 shown. The imaging module 1 includes a lens 2, an upper shell 3, a lower shell 6, a circuit board 5, etc.

[0057] Among them, the lens 2 includes a lens barrel 21, and the lens barrel 21 is configured to be substantially cylindrical. Although not particularly illustrated, a plurality of lenses are assembled in the lens barrel 21. The lens barrel 21 is made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy, copper, stainless steel, etc. A flange portion 211 for assembling the lens barrel 2 to the upper shell 3 is provided on the side surface of the lens barrel 21. Details of the flange portion 211 will be described later. In the installed state, at least a part of the lens barrel 21 is exposed outside the upper shell 3.

[0058] The upper shell 3 has a bottom wall 31 and a side wall 32. A lens barrel mounting hole for mounting the lens barrel 21 is provided on one side thereof, and the other side is opposite to one side of the lower shell 6. The upper shell 3 can be set to any shape such as a cylindrical shape, a square cylindrical shape, etc. according to the application scenario, and there is no particular limitation on its shape. The lens barrel mounting hole of the upper shell 3 and the lens barrel 21 form a hole-axis fit. Through this hole-axis fit, the lens 2 and the upper shell 3 can obtain a very high concentricity and form a perpendicularity fit. At the same time, a part of the hole-axis fit can function as a limiting structure and a foreign object blocking structure, so as to ensure the height consistency before and after welding the lens and the upper shell 3, and can also ensure that foreign objects do not fall into the inside of the housing during welding. The upper shell 3 is made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy, copper, stainless steel, etc. Specifically, the foreign objects generated during welding refer to welding chips, dust, etc.

[0059] The circuit board 5 is used to arrange a photosensitive chip 4, electronic components and connectors.

[0060] One side of the lower shell 6 is opposite to the other side of the upper shell 3 except for the side where the lens barrel mounting hole is provided, so as to form a cavity 7 for accommodating a part of the lens 2, the circuit board 5, the photosensitive chip 4, the electronic components and the connectors.

[0061] The housing of the lens barrel 2, the upper shell 3 and the lower shell 6 are collectively referred to as the housing.

[0062] As Figure 2 shown, laser full-circle welding is adopted at the joint part of the lens barrel 21 and the bottom wall 31 of the upper shell 3, so as to realize the connection and fixation of the lens 2 and the upper shell 3, and also play a sealing role between the lens 2 and the upper shell 3. In this embodiment, the laser welding part 8 between the lens barrel 2 and the upper shell 3 has a circular structure, making the laser welding continuous, and the circular lens barrel is also convenient for lathe processing. However, the welding of the lens barrel 2 and the upper shell 3 is not limited to circular, and the structure of the welding part between the lens barrel 2 and the upper shell 3 can be made into a square or other special-shaped structure according to needs.

[0063] Figure 3a and Figure 3b is the first embodiment of the welding structure between the lens barrel 21 and the upper shell 3 of the camera module 1 of the present invention, and will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0064] On the side of the lens barrel 21, there is a flange portion 211. On the upper surface of the bottom wall 31 of the upper shell 3, there is a continuous first annular boss 311. The outer diameter of the first annular boss 311 is the same as the outer diameter of the flange portion 211, and the inner diameter of the first annular boss 311 is the same as the inner diameter of the lens barrel mounting hole of the upper shell 3. Thus, the reliability of the hole axis structure of the lens barrel 21 and the upper shell 3 can be further improved, and at least a part of the joint formed by the lower surface of the flange portion 211 and the upper surface of the first annular boss 311 constitutes the laser welding portion 81.

[0065] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The difference between the two embodiments of Figure 3a is that in the embodiment of

[0066] Figure 4a and Figure 4b is a modified example of the first embodiment of the welding structure between the lens barrel 21 and the upper shell 3 of the camera module 1 of the present invention, and will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0067] As Figure 4a shown, on the first annular boss 311, there is a first annular groove 3111. The first annular groove 3111 divides the first annular boss 311 into an inner annular convex portion 3112 and an outer annular convex portion 3113. On the flange portion 211, there is a first annular convex portion 2111 corresponding to the first annular groove 3111. At least a part of the joint formed by the lower surface of the flange portion 211 and the upper surface of the outer annular convex portion 3113 constitutes the laser welding portion 81.

[0068] A gap can be provided between the first annular groove 3111 and the first annular convex portion 2111. This gap can accommodate foreign objects and thus has the effect of preventing foreign objects from entering the interior of the housing.

[0069] As Figure 4bAs shown, a second annular groove 2112 is provided on the flange portion 211. The annular groove 2112 divides the flange portion 211 into an inner annular convex portion 2113 and an outer annular convex portion 2114. A second annular convex portion 3114 corresponding to the second annular groove 2112 is provided on the first annular boss 311. At least a part of the joint formed by the upper surface of the first annular boss 311 and the lower surface of the outer annular convex portion 2114 in contact constitutes the laser welding portion 81.

[0070] Figure 4a and Figure 4b At the laser welding portion 81 of the embodiment of , a beauty seam 10 (not shown in the figure) for accommodating the welding molten zone 9 may be provided.

[0071] Figure 5a and Figure 5b It is also a modification of the first embodiment of the welding structure of the lens barrel 21 and the upper shell 3 of the camera module 1 of the present invention, and will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0072] As Figure 5a shown, a first recess 3115 is provided on the upper surface of the first annular boss 311 near the outside of the lens barrel 21. At least a part of the joint formed by the lower surface of the flange portion 211 and the upper surface of the part of the first annular boss 311 excluding the first recess 3115 in contact constitutes the laser welding portion 81.

[0073] As Figure 5b shown, a first protrusion 3116 is provided on the upper surface of the first annular boss 311 near the outside of the lens barrel 21. At least a part of the joint formed by the lower surface of the flange portion 211 and the upper surface of the part of the first annular boss 311 excluding the first protrusion 3116 in contact constitutes the laser welding portion 81.

[0074] Figure 5a and Figure 5b At the laser welding portion 81 of the embodiment of , a beauty seam 10 (not shown in the figure) for accommodating the welding molten zone 9 may be provided.

[0075] Figure 6a and Figure 6b It is the second embodiment of the welding structure of the lens barrel 21 and the upper shell 3 of the camera module 1 of the present invention, and will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0076] As Figure 6aAs shown, a second annular boss 312 and a third annular boss 313 are provided on the upper surface of the bottom wall 31 of the upper shell 3. The second annular boss 312 and the third annular boss 313 are integrally formed, and the second annular boss 312 is located inside the third annular boss 313. Moreover, the inner diameter of the second annular boss 312 is the same as the inner diameter of the lens barrel mounting hole of the upper shell 3. In addition, the height of the third annular boss 313 is higher than the height of the second annular boss 312, and the height difference between the third annular boss 313 and the second annular boss 312 is substantially the same as the thickness of the flange portion 211. The inner diameter of the third annular boss 313 is the same as the outer diameter of the flange portion 211. At least a part of the joint formed by the contact between the outer side surface of the flange portion 211 and the inner side surface of the third annular boss 313 constitutes a laser welding portion 82. The position where the lower surface of the flange portion 211 contacts the upper surface of the second annular boss 312 can function as a limiting structure and a baffle. The limiting structure can ensure that the height before and after welding of the metal cylinder and the upper shell is consistent. The function of the baffle specifically refers to playing a fixing role, which can minimize the displacement of the lens barrel of the upper shell.

[0077] Figure 6a and Figure 6b The difference between the two embodiments of Figure 6a In the embodiment of , an aesthetic seam 10 capable of accommodating the welding molten zone 9 is provided at the laser welding portion 82 of the welding product, which makes the welding product more beautiful.

[0078] Figure 7a and Figure 7b is a modification of the second embodiment of the welding structure of the lens barrel and the upper shell of the camera module of the present invention, and will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0079] As Figure 7a shown, a third annular groove 3121 is provided on the second annular boss 312, and a third annular protrusion 2115 corresponding to the third annular groove 3121 is provided on the flange portion 211. A gap can be provided between the third annular groove 3121 and the third annular protrusion 2115, and this gap can accommodate foreign matters, thereby having the effect of preventing foreign matters from entering the interior of the housing.

[0080] As Figure 7b shown, a fourth annular groove 2116 is provided on the flange portion 211, and a fourth annular protrusion 3122 corresponding to the fourth annular groove 2116 is provided on the second annular boss 312.

[0081] As Figure 5a and Figure 5b Another modification of the second embodiment of the welding structure of the lens barrel 21 and the upper shell 3 of the camera module 1 of , a structure in which the above-mentioned groove and protrusion correspond to each other can also be provided at a position where the side surface of the flange portion 211 contacts the inner side surface of the third annular boss 313 except for the laser welding portion.

[0082] As a beneficial effect of the present invention, the metal lens and the metal housing are fixed by laser welding, without the risk of loosening, improving the reliability and ensuring the image quality of the camera module; the metal lens and the metal housing are fixed by laser welding, there is no rotating thread in the lens assembly, without the risk of dust, reducing the risk of image stains in the camera module; the metal lens and the metal housing are sealed by laser welding, reducing the sealing ring material and improving the sealing performance of the housing.

[0083] The present invention also provides an installation method for the camera module 1, including the following steps:

[0084] Mount the side of the upper housing 3 excluding the side provided with the lens barrel mounting hole opposite to the side of the lower housing 6.

[0085] Mount the flange portion 21 in the lens barrel mounting hole of the upper housing 3.

[0086] Connect at least a part of the flange portion 21 and at least a part of the upper housing 3 by laser welding.

[0087] It should be understood that the above specific embodiments are only used to explain the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, according to the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, makes equivalent substitutions or changes, and should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An imaging module, characterized in that, comprising: a lens, including a lens barrel; an upper shell, on one side of which there is a lens barrel mounting hole, and the upper shell has a bottom wall and a side wall; a circuit board for arranging a photosensitive chip, electronic components and connectors, and a lower shell, one side of the lower shell is opposite to the other side of the upper shell except the side where the lens barrel mounting hole is provided, so as to form a cavity for accommodating a part of the lens, the circuit board, the photosensitive chip, the electronic components and the connectors, the lens barrel mounting hole of the upper shell and the lens barrel form a hole - shaft fit, the lens barrel and the upper shell are made of metal materials, on the side of the lens barrel there is a flange portion, the diameter of the flange portion is larger than the diameter of the lens barrel mounting hole, and at least a part of the flange portion and at least a part of the bottom wall of the upper shell are connected by laser welding.

2. The imaging module according to claim 1, characterized in that, on the upper surface of the bottom wall of the upper shell, there are a second annular boss and a third annular boss, the second annular boss and the third annular boss are integrally formed, and the second annular boss is located inside the third annular boss, the height of the third annular boss is higher than the height of the second annular boss, and at least a part of the joint formed by the outer side surface of the flange portion and the inner side surface of the third annular boss constitutes a laser welding portion.

3. The imaging module according to claim 2, characterized in that, the height difference between the third annular boss and the second annular boss is the same as the thickness of the flange portion; the inner diameter of the third annular boss is the same as the outer diameter of the flange portion.

4. The imaging module according to claim 2, characterized in that, the inner diameter of the second annular boss is the same as the inner diameter of the lens barrel mounting hole.

5. The imaging module according to claim 2, characterized in that, the lower surface of the flange portion is in contact with the upper surface of the second annular boss.

6. The imaging module according to claim 2, characterized in that, on the second annular boss, there is a third annular groove, and on the flange portion, there is a third annular protrusion corresponding to the third annular groove.

7. The imaging module according to claim 6, characterized in that, a gap is provided between the third annular groove and the third annular protrusion.

8. The imaging module as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, on the flange portion, there is a fourth annular groove, and on the second annular boss, there is a fourth annular protrusion corresponding to the fourth annular groove.

9. The imaging module according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, at the laser welding portion, there is an aesthetic seam for accommodating the welding molten zone.

10. An installation method of an imaging module, characterized in that, for installing the imaging module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the installation method of the imaging module includes the following steps: oppositely installing the other side of the upper shell except the side where the lens barrel mounting hole is provided and one side of the lower shell; mounting the lens barrel in the lens barrel mounting hole of the upper shell; and At least a part of the flange portion is connected to at least a part of the bottom wall of the upper shell by laser welding.

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