Camera module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a camera module. The camera module comprises an installation assembly and a housing. The mounting assembly comprises a mounting support and a rotating shaft, and a first clamping structure is arranged on the side, perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, of the mounting support. The shell is provided with a mounting hole, the mounting assembly can be arranged in the mounting hole, and the rotating shaft is configured to be rotatably connected to the shell. The shell is provided with a second clamping structure, a plurality of grooves distributed in the first direction are formed in the side, facing the installation assembly, of the second clamping structure, and when the installation assembly rotates, the first clamping structure can be switched among the grooves. Therefore, the camera module arranged in the mounting assembly has a plurality of angles in the process of being clamped in each groove along with the first clamping structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of photography, in particular to a camera module. Background Art

[0002] In today's society, with the continuous advancement of technology, camera technology has been widely used in various fields, including but not limited to security monitoring, traffic management, video conferencing, and online education. Among them, adjustable-angle cameras have gradually become a popular product in the market due to their unique advantages. However, despite the progress made in existing camera technology, some significant shortcomings still exist. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a camera module, aiming to solve the technical problem of how to reduce the complexity of the camera module angle adjustment structure and improve the camera module angle adjustment accuracy.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a camera module, comprising:

[0005] A mounting assembly, adapted for mounting a camera module, comprising a mounting bracket and a rotating shaft connected to the mounting bracket, wherein a first clamping structure is provided on one side of the mounting bracket perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft;

[0006] The housing is provided with a mounting hole, the mounting assembly is located in the mounting hole, and the rotating shaft is configured to be rotatably connected to the housing, the housing is provided with a second clamping structure, and the first clamping structure is configured to be clamped to the second clamping structure;

[0007] Among them, the second clamping structure is provided with a plurality of grooves arranged along a first direction on the side facing the mounting assembly, the first direction is perpendicular to the rotating shaft and parallel to the axis of the mounting hole, and when the mounting assembly rotates, the first clamping structure can switch between the grooves.

[0008] In some embodiments, the grooves are arranged in an arc shape along the first direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, a peripheral wall of the mounting hole has an avoidance groove, and the second clamping structure is disposed in the avoidance groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the shell is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove is connected to the mounting hole, the rotating shaft is configured to be able to be clamped in the mounting groove, and the mounting assembly is configured to be able to be driven to rotate around the rotating shaft in the mounting hole.

[0011] In some embodiments, the shell has a photographic surface, the mounting hole is provided on the photographic surface, the photographic surface is provided with an elastic rib, the elastic rib is located on the side of the mounting slot away from the mounting hole, the elastic rib is configured to avoid the rotating shaft so that the rotating shaft is clamped in the mounting slot, and when the rotating shaft is clamped in the mounting slot, the side of the elastic rib close to the rotating shaft is configured to be able to support the rotating shaft.

[0012] In some embodiments, a protrusion is provided on a side of the elastic rib close to the rotating shaft, and when the rotating shaft is clamped in the mounting groove, the protrusion is configured to abut against the rotating shaft.

[0013] In some embodiments, the end of the rotating shaft away from the camera module has a sliding surface, the sliding surface is located on the side of the rotating shaft away from the photographing surface, and the sliding surface is configured to tilt toward the camera module.

[0014] In some embodiments, the camera module further includes a protective plate having a through hole, the protective plate is configured to be buckled onto the photographing surface, and the mounting assembly is configured to be passed through the through hole.

[0015] In some embodiments, the mounting assembly further includes a pressing plate, and the pressing plate and the mounting bracket jointly define an accommodating cavity, and the camera module is accommodated in the accommodating cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket is provided with a buckling member at one end close to the pressure plate, the buckling member has a buckling tooth at the end facing away from the mounting bracket, the pressure plate is provided with a buckling groove, the buckling member is configured to be able to be inserted into the buckling groove, and the buckling tooth can abut against the side of the pressure plate facing away from the mounting bracket.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0018] In the technical solution of the present utility model, a camera module includes a mounting assembly and a housing, wherein the mounting assembly is adapted to mount a camera module. The mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket and a rotating shaft, wherein a first engaging structure is provided on one side of the mounting bracket perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The housing includes a mounting hole into which the mounting assembly can be mounted, and the rotating shaft is configured to be rotatably connected to the housing. The housing includes a second engaging structure, wherein a side of the second engaging structure facing the mounting assembly includes a plurality of grooves arranged along a first direction. When the mounting assembly rotates, the first engaging structure can shift between the grooves. Thus, the camera module disposed within the mounting assembly can assume multiple angles as the first engaging structure engages with the grooves. That is, the camera module angle can be adjusted by engaging the first engaging structure in different grooves. Since the grooves can limit the first engaging structure when the first engaging structure is connected to the second engaging structure, the camera module can maintain a stable angle after adjusting the angle, preventing the angle of the camera module from changing when the camera module shakes or vibrates, thereby improving the accuracy of the camera module angle adjustment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a camera module in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a planar schematic diagram of a camera module in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 In one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module is along Figure 2 Sectional view cut along the AA direction;

[0023] Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module is Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of the middle part C; wherein the first engaging structure is engaged with the second groove;

[0024] Figure 5 In another embodiment of the present invention, the camera module is Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of the middle part C; wherein the first engaging structure is engaged with the third groove;

[0025] Figure 6In one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view cut along the middle BB direction;

[0026] Figure 7 In one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module is Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of the local D in the middle;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of a mounting bracket in one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of a pressing plate in one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a housing in one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 11 In one embodiment of the present invention, the shell Figure 10 Cross-sectional view taken along the EE direction;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic structural diagram of a protective plate in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0033] Camera module 100;

[0034] Mounting assembly 110;

[0035] Mounting bracket 111; sliding surface 1111; buckle 1112;

[0036] Rotating shaft 112;

[0037] A first clamping structure 113;

[0038] Pressing plate 114; buckle slot 1141;

[0039] Accommodating chamber 115;

[0040] Housing 120;

[0041] Mounting hole 121; avoidance groove 1211;

[0042] Second clamping structure 122; groove 1221;

[0043] Mounting slot 123;

[0044] Photographic surface 124;

[0045] Elastic rib 125; raised portion 1251;

[0046] Protective plate 130; through hole 131;

[0047] Camera module 200;

[0048] The first direction X.

[0049] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] In the related art, a camera is usually mounted on a base with a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is connected to a transmission component (such as a gear structure), and the transmission component drives the rotating shaft to rotate, thereby causing the base to rotate with the rotating shaft to achieve the effect of adjusting the angle of the camera. However, the applicant has found that the camera capable of adjusting the angle in the related art has a large size due to the arrangement of structures such as the transmission component, and the camera cannot be used in some scenes with a narrow installation position. In addition, when the camera vibrates under the influence of external factors, it may cause the base to drive the transmission component to rotate in the opposite direction, thereby causing the angle of the camera to change, making it impossible for the camera to capture effective light and shadow.

[0052] For this reason, see Figures 1 to 12 The present invention provides a camera module 100, which includes a mounting assembly 110 and a housing 120. The mounting assembly 110 can be used to mount a camera module 200, which includes but is not limited to sensors, optical lenses, control circuits and other equipment. The mounting assembly 110 includes a mounting bracket 111 and a rotating shaft 112 connected to the mounting bracket 111. The mounting bracket 111 and the rotating shaft 112 can be connected by welding, or the mounting bracket 111 and the rotating shaft 112 can be made into one piece. In some embodiments, the rotating shaft 112 is located on opposite sides of the mounting bracket 111. In addition, a first clamping structure 113 is provided on one side of the mounting bracket 111 perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 112. Please refer to Figure 10The housing 120 is provided with a mounting hole 121, into which the mounting assembly 110 can be mounted. The rotating shaft 112 is configured to be rotatably connected to the housing 120. The housing 120 is provided with a second clamping structure 122, and the first clamping structure 113 is configured to be clamped to the second clamping structure 122. Specifically, for ease of description, a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 112 and parallel to the axis of the mounting hole 121 is defined as a first direction X. The second clamping structure 122 is provided with a plurality of grooves 1221 arranged along the first direction X on a side facing the mounting assembly 110. When the mounting assembly 110 rotates about the rotating shaft 112, the first clamping structure 113 can switch between the grooves 1221. As a result, the camera module 200 disposed in the mounting assembly 110 can assume multiple angles as the first clamping structure 113 is clamped in the grooves 1221. That is, the camera module angle can be adjusted by having the first clip structure 113 clipped into different grooves 1221. Since the grooves 1221 can limit the first clip structure 113 when the first clip structure 113 is connected to the second clip structure 122, the camera module can be stably maintained at that angle after adjustment, preventing the camera module angle from changing when the camera module 100 shakes or vibrates, thereby improving the accuracy of the angle adjustment of the camera module 100. In addition, the angle of the camera module 200 is adjusted by changing the position of the first clip structure 113 in different grooves 1221 of the second clip structure 122, effectively eliminating the need for transmission components (such as gear structures, etc.) and even drive components (such as drive motors, etc.) in related technologies, thereby reducing the volume of the camera module 100 while reducing the material cost of the camera module 100.

[0053] In order to reduce the influence of the mounting hole 121 on the mounting assembly 110 during the rotation process, and at the same time improve the effective position limiting of the groove 1221 on the first clamping structure 113, please refer to Figure 11 In some embodiments, the grooves 1221 are arranged in an arc shape along the first direction X. Therefore, when the mounting assembly 110 rotates about the rotation axis 112, the arc-shaped arrangement can effectively avoid the mounting assembly 110. When the first clamping structure 113 rotates with the mounting assembly 110 and is clamped in any groove 1221, the arc-shaped arrangement of the grooves 1221 can reduce the gap between it and the first clamping structure 113, allowing the grooves 1221 to be more tightly engaged with the first clamping structure 113, thereby allowing the first clamping structure 113 to be more firmly clamped in the grooves 1221. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the grooves 1221 can be set to be semicircular, and the shape of the portion of the first clamping structure 113 that is clamped in the grooves 1221 can be configured as a semicircular boss.

[0054] In some embodiments, see Figure 10 and Figure 11The cross section of the mounting hole 121 can be circular, and the inner wall of the mounting hole 121 is arc-shaped along the axial direction of the mounting hole 121. In order to reduce the difficulty of designing and manufacturing the mounting bracket 111 and reduce the gap between the mounting bracket 111 and the mounting hole 121, along the radial direction of the mounting hole 121, the side of the second clamping structure 122 close to the mounting bracket 111 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 121 are located on a circle with the same diameter, that is, the distance from the second clamping structure 122 to the center of the mounting hole 121 is equal to the radius of the mounting hole 121. In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 10 The peripheral wall of the mounting hole 121 has an escape groove 1211, and the second engaging structure 122 is disposed within the escape groove 1211. Along the circumference of the mounting hole 121, the escape groove 1211 has two opposing sidewalls, each with a gap between the second engaging structure 122 and the sidewalls. When the mounting bracket 111 is driven to rotate and the first engaging structure 113 switches between the grooves 1221, the second engaging structure 122 is not connected to the peripheral wall of the mounting hole 121 on both sides along the circumference of the mounting hole 121, thereby providing a certain degree of elasticity, which facilitates the engagement of the first engaging structure 113 with the grooves 1221.

[0055] See also Figure 10 The housing 120 is provided with a mounting slot 123, which communicates with the mounting hole 121. The rotating shaft 112 is configured to be snapped into the mounting slot 123, and the mounting assembly 110 is configured to be driven to rotate about the rotating shaft 112 within the mounting hole 121. The provision of the mounting slot 123 can limit the position of the rotating shaft 112, and when the rotating shaft 112 is snapped into the mounting slot 123, the mounting slot 123 can support the mounting assembly 110, allowing the mounting bracket 111 to be suspended in the air and facilitate its rotation.

[0056] The housing 120 has a photographic surface 124, wherein the mounting hole 121 is provided on the photographic surface 124. Figure 10The imaging surface 124 is provided with an elastic rib 125. The elastic rib 125 is located on the side of the mounting slot 123 facing away from the mounting hole 121. The elastic rib 125 is configured to avoid the rotating shaft 112 so that the rotating shaft 112 is locked in the mounting slot 123. When the rotating shaft 112 is locked in the mounting slot 123, the side of the elastic rib 125 near the rotating shaft 112 is configured to abut against the rotating shaft 112. The provision of the elastic rib 125 helps to confine the rotating shaft 112 in the mounting slot 123, preventing the rotating shaft 112 from falling out of the mounting slot 123 when the camera module 100 vibrates under external influences. In some embodiments, the elastic rib 125 is provided with waist-shaped holes on both the side near the mounting hole 121 and the side away from the mounting hole 121, and the waist-shaped hole on the side of the elastic rib 125 near the mounting hole 121 is connected to the mounting hole 121. The waist-shaped hole weakens the structural strength of the elastic rib 125 parallel to the axis 112, giving it a certain degree of elasticity. When the axis 112 is engaged with the mounting slot 123, the elastic rib 125 elastically deforms to avoid the axis 112. Once the axis 112 is engaged with the mounting slot 123, the elastic rib 125 returns to its original state, thereby retaining the axis 112 within the mounting slot 123.

[0057] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 The elastic rib 125 is provided with a protrusion 1251 on the side close to the rotating shaft 112. When the rotating shaft 112 is clamped in the mounting slot 123, the protrusion 1251 is configured to abut against the rotating shaft 112. The provision of the protrusion 1251 can not only limit the rotating shaft 112 but also improve the structural strength of the elastic rib 125 along the axis parallel to the mounting hole 121. In addition, it can also reduce the gap between the rotating shaft 112 and the elastic rib 125, reducing the probability of the mounting assembly 110 shaking. In other embodiments, the elastic member is also provided with a protrusion structure on the side close to the mounting hole 121. This protrusion structure can further reduce the probability of the rotating shaft 112 falling out of the mounting slot 123.

[0058] See also Figure 7 The end of the rotating shaft 112 away from the camera module 200 has a sliding surface 1111. This sliding surface 1111 is located on the side of the rotating shaft 112 that faces away from the imaging surface 124, and is configured to be inclined toward the camera module 200. When the mounting assembly 110 is installed in the mounting hole 121, the sliding surface 1111 can convert part of the downward pressure of the mounting assembly 110 into a horizontal thrust on the elastic rib 125, allowing the elastic rib 125 to avoid the rotating shaft 112, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the mounting assembly 110.

[0059] In order to prevent foreign matter from entering the camera module through the mounting hole 121 and the waist-shaped hole, in some embodiments, refer to Figure 12The camera module 100 further includes a protective plate 130 having a through hole 131 . The protective plate 130 is configured to be buckled on the photographing surface 124 , and the mounting assembly 110 is configured to be passed through the through hole 131 .

[0060] The mounting assembly 110 further includes a pressure plate 114, which together with the mounting bracket 111 defines a receiving cavity 115, in which the camera module 200 is received. Thus, when the mounting assembly 110 rotates about the rotation axis 112, it can simultaneously drive the camera module 200 to rotate, thereby enabling the angle of the camera module 200 to be adjusted.

[0061] See also Figure 9 The mounting bracket 111 has a buckle 1112 at one end near the pressure plate 114. The buckle 1112 has a tooth at its end facing away from the mounting bracket 111. The pressure plate 114 has a buckle slot 1141. The buckle 1112 is configured to be inserted into the buckle slot 1141, and the tooth can abut against the side of the pressure plate 114 facing away from the mounting bracket 111. The interaction between the buckle 1112 and the buckle slot 1141 facilitates quick installation of the camera module 200 on the mounting assembly 110. In some embodiments, to improve the tightness of the connection between the pressure plate 114 and the mounting bracket 111, the pressure plate 114 and the mounting bracket 111 can also be connected by a threaded fastener (e.g., a screw).

[0062] In some embodiments, to enhance the mounting stability of the camera module 200 within the accommodating cavity 115, a retaining member is provided within the accommodating cavity 115. Specifically, a camera hole is provided on a side of the mounting bracket 111 near the imaging surface 124, and a retaining member is disposed around the periphery of the camera hole. The camera module 200 is configured to be snapped onto the retaining member, thereby securing the camera module 200 within the camera hole and enabling the camera module 200 to capture external light and shadows through the camera hole.

[0063] The camera module 200 also includes circuitry, including but not limited to an FPC (flexible printed circuit board), which can connect to a power supply or control circuit for transmitting electrical signals. Therefore, the pressure plate 114 is provided with a cable hole. The cable hole is configured to avoid the camera module 200's circuitry, allowing the cable to pass through the hole and connect to the power supply or control circuit.

[0064] In a specific embodiment, after the camera module 100 is installed in the application scenario, the mounting assembly 110 is driven to rotate around the rotating shaft 112 to adjust the angle of the camera module 200. It should be noted that the manner in which the mounting assembly 110 is driven to rotate includes but is not limited to applying pressure on the side of the mounting bracket 111 close to the photographic surface 124, and defining a plane parallel to the photographic surface 124 as a projection surface, on which the projection of the position where the pressure acts on the mounting bracket 111 deviates from the projection of the setting position of the rotating shaft 112 on the mounting bracket 111. For ease of description, the second clamping structure 122 is defined to include a first groove, a second groove, and a third groove, wherein the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove are sequentially arranged along the first direction X. Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the initial state, the first engaging structure 113 is engaged with the second groove, and the side of the mounting assembly 110 closer to the imaging surface 124 is parallel to the imaging surface 124. When pressure is applied to the side of the mounting bracket 111 closer to the second engaging structure 122, the mounting assembly 110 rotates about the rotation axis 112, and the first engaging structure 113 is engaged with the third groove. At this time, the side of the mounting assembly 110 closer to the imaging surface 124 forms a first angle with the imaging surface 124. When pressure is applied to the side of the mounting bracket 111 farther from the second engaging structure 122, the mounting assembly 110 rotates about the rotation axis 112, and the first engaging structure 113 is engaged with the first groove. At this time, the side of the mounting assembly 110 closer to the imaging surface 124 forms a second angle with the imaging surface 124.

[0065] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0066] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if "and / or", "and / or" or "and / or" appear in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or solutions that satisfy both A and B. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0067] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made by using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the utility model concept, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that: include: A mounting assembly, suitable for mounting a camera module, the mounting assembly comprising a mounting bracket and a rotating shaft connected to the mounting bracket, wherein a first clamping structure is provided on one side of the mounting bracket perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft; The housing is provided with a mounting hole, the mounting assembly is located in the mounting hole, and the rotating shaft is configured to be rotatably connected to the housing, the housing is provided with a second clamping structure, and the first clamping structure is configured to be clamped to the second clamping structure; Among them, the second clamping structure is provided with a plurality of grooves arranged along a first direction on a side facing the mounting assembly, the first direction is perpendicular to the rotating shaft and parallel to the axis of the mounting hole, and when the mounting assembly rotates, the first clamping structure can switch between the grooves.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The grooves are arranged in an arc shape along the first direction.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The peripheral wall of the mounting hole has an avoidance groove, and the second clamping structure is arranged in the avoidance groove.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The shell is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove is connected to the mounting hole, the rotating shaft is configured to be able to be clamped in the mounting groove, and the mounting assembly is configured to be able to be driven to rotate around the rotating shaft in the mounting hole.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shell has a photographing surface, the mounting hole is arranged on the photographing surface, the photographing surface is provided with an elastic rib, the elastic rib is located on the side of the mounting slot away from the mounting hole, the elastic rib is configured to avoid the rotating shaft so that the rotating shaft is clamped in the mounting slot, and when the rotating shaft is clamped in the mounting slot, the side of the elastic rib close to the rotating shaft is configured to be able to support the rotating shaft.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, characterized in that: A protrusion is provided on one side of the elastic rib close to the rotating shaft. When the rotating shaft is clamped in the mounting groove, the protrusion is configured to be able to abut against the rotating shaft.

7. The camera module according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the rotating shaft away from the camera module has a sliding surface, the sliding surface is located on a side of the rotating shaft away from the photographing surface, and the sliding surface is configured to be inclined toward a direction close to the camera module.

8. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein: The camera module also includes a protective plate having a through hole. The protective plate is configured to be buckled on the photographing surface, and the mounting component is configured to be inserted into the through hole.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting assembly further includes a pressing plate, and the pressing plate and the mounting bracket together define a receiving cavity, and the camera module is received in the receiving cavity.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein: The mounting bracket is provided with a buckling piece at one end close to the pressure plate, and the buckling piece has a buckling tooth at one end away from the mounting bracket. The pressure plate is provided with a buckling groove, the buckling piece is configured to be able to be inserted into the buckling groove, and the buckling tooth can abut against the side of the pressure plate away from the mounting bracket.

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