Electronic device

Abstract

The invention provides electronic equipment. The electronic equipment provided by the invention comprises a shell and a camera module, a containing cavity is formed in the shell, a light inlet hole is formed in the shell, a protection lens is arranged at the light inlet hole, a camera decoration ring is arranged on the periphery of the protection lens, and the camera module is arranged in the containing cavity and is opposite to the protection lens; a vapor chamber is arranged on the inner side wall of the camera decoration ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and more particularly to an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile phones and other electronic devices are equipped with camera modules. These modules are housed within a cavity within the device. Inevitably, some moisture will be present within this cavity. If the electronic device experiences temperature changes, this moisture will condense on the viewing window area of ​​the protective lens, thus affecting the device's camera function. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an electronic device to solve the problem of water vapor condensation on the protective lens affecting the camera function.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is implemented as follows: The electronic device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: a housing and a camera module; the housing has an accommodating cavity, a light-entry hole on the housing, a protective lens at the light-entry hole, a camera decorative ring around the outer periphery of the protective lens, the camera module is disposed in the accommodating cavity and is disposed opposite to the protective lens; a heat dissipation plate is disposed on the inner side wall of the camera decorative ring.

[0005] In some embodiments, the electronic device is provided with a water-absorbing element for absorbing water droplets condensed on the heat spreader plate.

[0006] In some embodiments, the heat spreader is provided with a plurality of first capillary holes, and one side opening of the first capillary hole is located on the surface of the heat spreader facing the camera module.

[0007] In some embodiments, the camera decorative ring is provided with a plurality of second capillaries, which are connected to the first capillaries in a one-to-one correspondence, and the first capillaries and the second capillaries form a water-absorbing element.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heat spreader is provided with a first through hole, the camera decorative ring is provided with a groove at the part opposite to the first through hole, and the water absorption element is provided in the groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the surface of the heat spreader facing the camera module is provided with a plurality of micro-protrusions, which are arranged in an array to form a superhydrophobic surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water-absorbing element is disposed on the surface of the heat spreader facing the camera module.

[0011] In some embodiments, the water-absorbing component includes a first water-absorbing pad and a second water-absorbing pad, which are spaced apart on both sides of the superhydrophobic surface along the light-incoming direction of the camera module.

[0012] In some embodiments, the heat spreader is an annular heat spreader, which is fitted onto the inner wall of the camera decorative ring.

[0013] In some embodiments, a protective lens is disposed within the area enclosed by a heat spreader, and at least part of the end of the heat spreader surrounding the protective lens is exposed to the outer surface of the electronic device.

[0014] The above-described at least one technical solution adopted in the embodiments of the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects: In embodiments of the present invention, since the heat transfer efficiency of the vapor chamber is higher than that of the protective lens, the temperature of the vapor chamber is lower than the temperature inside the protective lens. Because the temperature of the vapor chamber is relatively lower than the temperature inside the protective lens, when condensation occurs within the cavity, the water vapor will preferentially condense on the surface of the vapor chamber. This prevents water vapor from condensing inside the cavity on the inside of the protective lens. Therefore, the problem of water vapor condensing on the viewing area of ​​the protective lens and affecting the camera function of the electronic device when it experiences temperature changes can be improved.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the electronic device located in the area where the heat spreader is located is shown in the image; Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating water vapor condensation in the area of ​​a heat spreader plate in an electronic device, provided as an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the absorption of condensed water droplets by a water-absorbing component, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram of the electronic device located in the area where the heat spreader is located is shown in the image; Figure 7A schematic diagram showing water vapor condensing in the area where the heat spreader of an electronic device is located, as provided in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating another type of condensed water droplets being absorbed by a water-absorbing component, provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of yet another electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 for Figure 9 A partial schematic diagram of the electronic device located in the area where the heat spreader is located is shown in the image; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating water vapor condensation in the area where the heat spreader of an electronic device is located, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the absorption of condensed water droplets by a water-absorbing component, as provided in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100 - Electronic devices; 110 - Housing; 111 - Receiving cavity; 112 - Light inlet; 113 - Frame; 114 - Cover; 120-Camera Module; 130 - Protective lens; 140 - Camera decorative ring; 141 - Second capillary pore; 142 - Groove; 150 - Heat spreader; 151 - First capillary pore; 152 - First through hole; 153 - Micro protrusion; 160 - Absorbent component; 161 - First absorbent pad; 162 - Second absorbent pad. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] Furthermore, although the terminology used in this invention is selected from commonly known and used terms, some terms mentioned in this specification may have been selected by the inventor in his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of the description herein.

[0022] Furthermore, the invention should be understood not only through the actual terminology used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.

[0023] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] This invention provides an electronic device, exemplarily a mobile phone, tablet computer, smartwatch, or other electronic device with camera functionality. (See reference...) Figures 1 to 12 The electronic device 100 provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: a housing 110 and a camera module 120.

[0025] The housing 110 has a receiving cavity 111. A light-entry hole 112 is provided on the housing 110, and a protective lens 130 is disposed at the light-entry hole 112. A camera decorative ring 140 is provided around the outer periphery of the protective lens 130. The camera module 120 is disposed within the receiving cavity 111 and is positioned opposite the protective lens 130. Thus, during the shooting process using the camera module 120, ambient light can pass through the protective lens 130 and be directed towards the camera module 120.

[0026] A vapor chamber 150 is provided on the inner wall of the camera decorative ring 140. It should be noted that a vapor chamber (VC) is also called a heat-conducting plate or a temperature-regulating plate; a vapor chamber generally has a sealed cavity containing a working medium and a capillary structure. The working principle of the vapor chamber is as follows: external heat is conducted to the vapor chamber, the working medium inside the vapor chamber absorbs heat, vaporizes into steam, and carries away a large amount of heat; further, the vaporized working medium is pre-cooled, condenses into liquid, and releases heat; further still, the liquid working medium flows back under the action of the capillary structure; this cycle repeats continuously, transferring heat from the heat source to other areas.

[0027] In the solution provided in the embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipation plate 150 can transfer the heat inside the accommodating cavity 111 to the outside of the accommodating cavity 111, so that the temperature of the heat dissipation plate 150 is lower than the temperature inside the protective lens 130.

[0028] In this way, in the embodiments of the present invention, since the heat transfer efficiency of the heat spreader 150 is higher than that of the protective lens 130, the temperature of the heat spreader 150 is lower than the temperature inside the protective lens 130. Because the temperature of the heat spreader 150 is relatively lower than the temperature inside the protective lens 130, when condensation occurs in the accommodating cavity 111, the water vapor will preferentially condense on the surface of the heat spreader 150. Since the water vapor in the accommodating cavity 111 preferentially condenses on the surface of the heat spreader 150, condensation on the inside of the protective lens 130 can be avoided. Therefore, the problem of water vapor condensing on the viewing area of ​​the protective lens and affecting the camera function of the electronic device when it encounters temperature changes can be improved.

[0029] refer to Figures 1 to 12 In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 is provided with a water-absorbing element 160. The water-absorbing element 160 is used to absorb water droplets condensing on the heat spreader 150. In this way, the water-absorbing element 160 can "lock" in the condensed water droplets to prevent them from flowing to the protective lens 130.

[0030] It should be noted that since the volume of the housing cavity 111 of the camera module 120 is not large, the moisture content in the housing cavity 111 is relatively low, and consequently, the amount of water droplets condensing on the surface of the heat spreader 150 is also relatively small. Therefore, even without the water-absorbing component 160 to absorb the water droplets, the water droplets will not damage the components inside the electronic device, and the risk of water droplets flowing to the protective lens 130 is not high; therefore, in some embodiments, the water-absorbing component 160 may not be provided. It is understandable that with the water-absorbing component 160 provided, the anti-fogging performance of the protective lens 130 of the electronic device 100 will be better. Therefore, the following mainly uses the electronic device 100 with the water-absorbing component 160 as an example to introduce the solution.

[0031] refer to Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, the heat spreader 150 is provided with a plurality of first capillary holes 151, and one side opening of the first capillary hole 151 is located on the surface of the heat spreader 150 facing the camera module 120. In this way, the first capillary hole 151 forms a water-absorbing element 160, thereby "locking in" water droplets condensed on the surface of the heat spreader 150.

[0032] In some embodiments, the camera decorative ring 140 is provided with a plurality of second capillary pores 141, each of which communicates with a first capillary pore 151 in a corresponding manner. The first capillary pores 151 and the second capillary pores 141 form a water-absorbing element 160. In this way, by forming the water-absorbing element 160 with the first capillary pores 151 and the second capillary pores 141, the length of the capillary pores can be increased, thereby increasing the amount of water that the capillary pores can hold.

[0033] It should be noted that the pore size of the first capillary 151 and the second capillary 141 can be flexibly set according to the requirements. It is only necessary to make the first capillary 151 and the second capillary 141 able to cause the condensed water droplets to produce capillary action and fill themselves in the first capillary 151 and the second capillary 141. The embodiments of the present invention do not limit the pore size of the first capillary 151 and the second capillary 141.

[0034] refer to Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the heat spreader 150 is provided with a first through hole 152, and the camera decorative ring 140 is provided with a groove 142 opposite to the first through hole 152. The water-absorbing element 160 is disposed in the groove 142. Exemplarily, the water-absorbing element 160 is a desiccant. For example, the water-absorbing element is a silica gel ball desiccant, activated carbon, or activated alumina. In this way, water droplets condensed on the outer surface of the heat spreader 150 can flow through the first through hole 152 of the heat spreader 150 to the groove 142 of the camera decorative ring 140, and are thus "locked" on the back side of the heat spreader 150 by the water-absorbing element 160 to prevent the condensed water droplets from flowing to the protective lens 130.

[0035] In addition, in some embodiments, the groove 142 is formed at the camera decorative ring 140. This makes it easier to form a large groove 142 at the camera decorative ring 140, which facilitates the placement of a large water-absorbing component 160 in the large groove 142, thereby improving the water-locking ability of the water-absorbing component 160.

[0036] refer to Figures 9 to 12 In some embodiments, the surface of the heat spreader 150 facing the camera module 120 is provided with a plurality of micro-protrusions 153. The plurality of micro-protrusions 153 are arranged in an array, forming a superhydrophobic surface. It should be noted that, for example, the superhydrophobic surface can be a lotus leaf-inspired surface. Alternatively, a fine array of protrusions can be formed on the surface of the heat spreader 150 facing the camera module 120 using femtosecond laser technology or chemical etching technology, thereby forming a superhydrophobic surface on the surface of the heat spreader 150 facing the camera module 120. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention do not limit the specific size or arrangement of the micro-protrusions 153, as long as the surface they form possesses hydrophobic properties.

[0037] In some embodiments, the water-absorbing member 160 is disposed on the surface of the heat spreader 150 facing the camera module 120. In this way, water droplets condensing on the surface of the heat spreader 150 facing the camera module 120 can slide off on their own and be absorbed by the water-absorbing member 160. Thus, the water-absorbing member 160 can "lock in" the condensed water droplets to prevent them from flowing to the protective lens 130.

[0038] In some embodiments, the water-absorbing member 160 includes a first water-absorbing pad 161 and a second water-absorbing pad 162. The first water-absorbing pad 161 and the second water-absorbing pad 162 are disposed at intervals on both sides of the superhydrophobic surface along the light-incoming direction of the camera module 120. In this way, water droplets sliding off the surface of the heat spreader 150 can be absorbed by the first water-absorbing pad 161 and the second water-absorbing pad 162.

[0039] For example, both the first absorbent pad 161 and the second absorbent pad 162 are annular absorbent pads. Two annular absorbent pads can be disposed on the superhydrophobic surface. Figure 10 Taking the shown orientation as an example, annular absorbent pads are respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the surface of the heat spreader 150 facing the camera module 120. In this way, water droplets condensing on the surface of the heat spreader 150 facing the camera module 120 can slide off on their own and be absorbed by the annular absorbent pads. Thus, the annular absorbent pads can "lock in" the condensed water droplets, thereby preventing them from flowing to the protective lens 130.

[0040] refer to Figures 1 to 12 In some embodiments, the heat spreader 150 is an annular heat spreader, which is fitted onto the inner sidewall of the camera decorative ring 140. This allows water vapor to condense around the entire ring of the camera module 120, thus better preventing water vapor from condensing on the inner side of the protective lens 130 opposite to the camera module 120.

[0041] In some embodiments, the protective lens 130 is disposed within the area enclosed by the heat spreader 150, and the end of the heat spreader 150 surrounding the protective lens 130 is at least partially exposed to the outer surface of the electronic device 100. This allows heat from the heat spreader 150 to dissipate to the external environment through the end of the heat spreader 150 surrounding the protective lens 130, thereby reducing the temperature of the surface of the heat spreader 150 surrounding the camera module 120, and allowing moisture in the accommodating cavity 111 to condense better on the surface of the heat spreader 150 surrounding the camera module 120.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the housing 110 further includes a frame 113 and a cover 114. The cover 114 covers one side of the frame 113, and a light-entry hole 112 is formed in the cover 114. A camera decorative ring 140 is disposed at the light-entry hole 112, and the camera decorative ring 140 is connected to the periphery of the light-entry hole 112. For example, when the electronic device 100 is a mobile phone, the frame 113 is the mobile phone mid-frame, and the cover 114 is the mobile phone back cover.

[0043] Furthermore, the heat spreader 150 is an annular heat spreader. The heat spreader 150 is fitted onto the inner wall of the camera decorative ring 140, the protective lens 130 is located at one end of the heat spreader 150, and the heat spreader 150 surrounds the protective lens 130, with the end face of the heat spreader 150 exposed to the outer surface of the electronic device 100. The frame 113, cover 114, camera decorative ring 140, heat spreader 150, and protective lens 130 form a receiving cavity 111.

[0044] In this way, Figure 1 For example, the heat generated by the camera module 120 is transferred to the air inside the accommodating cavity 111. If the ambient temperature of the electronic device 100 is low, the hot water vapor will condense on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 111 when it encounters the cold.

[0045] For example, the air temperature inside the cavity 111 is 45 degrees Celsius, and the temperature of the lower surface of the protective lens 130 is 20 degrees Celsius. Since the heat dissipation plate 150 has a higher thermal conductivity than the protective lens 130, the temperature of the inner surface of the heat dissipation plate 150 is, for example, 10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the temperature of the inner surface of the heat dissipation plate 150 is lower than the temperature of the lower surface of the protective lens 130, and water vapor will preferentially condense on the inner surface of the heat dissipation plate 150. After some of the water vapor in the air inside the cavity 111 condenses, the water vapor content in the air inside the cavity 111 will decrease, and the condensation phenomenon will gradually disappear. This prevents water vapor in the cavity 111 from condensing on the inner surface of the protective lens 130.

[0046] For example, the heat spreader 150 and the camera decorative ring 140 are combined together to form a single component through processes such as bonding, welding, or die casting. The component formed by the heat spreader 150 and the camera decorative ring 140 is then connected to the protective lens 130. It should be noted that since the heat spreader 150 does not require power during operation, and the heat spreader 150 and the camera decorative ring 140 can be integrated as a single unit, the assembly difficulty of assembling the heat spreader 150 and the camera decorative ring 140 into the electronic device can be reduced.

[0047] In some embodiments, the housing 110 further includes a camera bracket. The camera bracket is sandwiched between the frame 113 and the cover 114. The camera bracket has a second through hole. The second through hole is opposite to the protective lens 130. The camera module 120 is located in the circumferential direction within the area enclosed by the second through hole and the hole wall of the camera decorative ring 140.

[0048] In some embodiments, the housing 110 further includes a circuit board. The bottom of the camera module 120 is disposed on the circuit board, and the light-receiving portion of the camera module 120 faces the protective lens 130. The camera module 120 is located between the circuit board and the protective lens 130 in its own optical axis direction. In the case where the electronic device 100 is a mobile phone, for example, the circuit board is a mobile phone motherboard.

[0049] In other embodiments, the circuit board has a clearance through-hole. The bottom of the camera module 120 passes through the clearance through-hole and is connected to the frame 113. In the case where the electronic device 100 is a mobile phone, for example, the frame 113 is the mobile phone mid-frame. The mobile phone mid-frame includes a main body and a border. The circuit board is disposed between the main body and the camera module 120.

[0050] In some embodiments, the camera decorative ring 140 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the camera decorative ring 140 is made of a metal material. When the heat spreader 150 is fitted onto the hole wall of the camera decorative ring 140, the heat spreader 150 can transfer heat to the camera decorative ring 140, and then dissipate the heat to the external environment through the camera decorative ring 140.

[0051] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0052] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the embodiments of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: The application relates to a camera module and an electronic device. The shell is provided with a containing cavity, and the shell is provided with a light inlet hole, the light inlet hole is provided with a protective lens, the protective lens is provided with a camera decoration ring, the camera module is arranged in the containing cavity and is arranged opposite to the protective lens. The inner side wall of the camera decoration ring is provided with a heat plate.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The electronic device is provided with a water absorption element for absorbing water droplets condensed on the heat plate.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, The heat plate is provided with a plurality of first capillary holes, and one side of the first capillary holes is provided with a hole opening on the surface of the heat plate facing the camera module.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein, The camera decoration ring is provided with a plurality of second capillary holes, and the second capillary holes are in one-to-one correspondence with the first capillary holes and are in communication with the first capillary holes, and the first capillary holes and the second capillary holes form the water absorption element.

5. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, The heat plate is provided with a first through hole, and the camera decoration ring is provided with a groove opposite to the first through hole, and the water absorption element is arranged in the groove.

6. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, The surface of the heat plate facing the camera module is provided with a plurality of micro convexities, and the plurality of micro convexities are arranged in an array, and the plurality of micro convexities form a super-hydrophobic surface.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein, The water absorption element is arranged on the surface of the heat plate facing the camera module.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein, The water absorption element comprises a first water absorption pad and a second water absorption pad, and the first water absorption pad and the second water absorption pad are arranged on both sides of the super-hydrophobic surface along the light inlet direction of the camera module.

9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The heat plate is a ring-shaped heat plate, and the heat plate is sleeved on the inner side wall of the camera decoration ring.

10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein, The protective lens is arranged in the area surrounded by the heat plate, and the end portion of the heat plate outside the protective lens is at least partially exposed to the outer surface of the electronic device.

Images