Miniature camera and electronic equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of miniature cameras in the medical industry, in particular to a miniature camera and electronic equipment, which comprise a flexible circuit board, a camera module and a connector, one end of the flexible circuit board is provided with the camera module, and the other end of the flexible circuit board is provided with the connector; the side, provided with the camera module, of the flexible circuit board is set as a first side, the other side, opposite to the camera module, of the flexible circuit board is set as a second side, a first steel sheet is arranged at the position, corresponding to the camera module, of the second side, the first steel sheet is fixedly connected to the second side of the flexible circuit board, and the first steel sheet and the flexible circuit board are matched with each other through the first steel sheet. The camera module is welded on the first steel sheet and is electrically connected with the flexible circuit board. In conclusion, the light, thin and small miniature camera can be installed in electronic equipment with strict size requirements, and particularly can be installed in equipment such as an endoscope and an induced abortion tube in the medical industry, so that the size of the corresponding equipment can be reduced, and the use experience of people is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of miniature cameras in the medical industry, in particular to a miniature camera and an electronic device. Background Technique

[0002] In medical devices, many devices are restricted by size and need to be as small as possible. Especially some electronic devices that need to take pictures inside the human body. For example, an endoscope is a photographing device used for visual inspection of inaccessible places such as the human body cavity. It can enter the stomach through the mouth or enter the body through other natural orifices. With an endoscope, lesions that cannot be shown by X-rays can be seen. Therefore, endoscopes are widely used in modern medical examinations. The camera module used inside the endoscope device is a miniature camera, which requires very small size, and its connecting cable also needs to be bendable.

[0003] Another example is the camera at the front end of the disposable suction tube used in the currently advanced direct vision painless uterine cavity abortion surgery. It is also a miniature camera, which also needs to have a small size. And because of its disposable use characteristics, the cost control is relatively more strict. Therefore, it is necessary to save costs as much as possible on the basis of maintaining a small size.

[0004] The thinness, shortness and smallness of the camera module are one of the important factors affecting the thinness of the corresponding electronic device. Therefore, it is particularly important to improve the structure of the camera module and develop it in the direction beneficial to the thinness of the electronic device.

[0005] The traditional camera module is usually composed of a lens, a lens support element, a sensor photosensitive device and a circuit board. The total height of the camera module = the optical length of the lens (TTL, Total Track Length) + the height of the sensor photosensitive device + the thickness of the PCB circuit board. The height of this traditional camera module is relatively large and cannot meet the requirements of thinness, shortness and smallness.

[0006] The camera module usually includes a lens assembly, an image sensor and a circuit board. The image sensor is connected to the light-emitting side of the lens assembly, and the image sensor is electrically connected to the main board in the electronic device through the circuit board. The lens assembly is used to collect external environmental light, and the image sensor is used to convert the received optical signal from the lens assembly into a digital signal. This digital signal is transmitted to the main board through the circuit board and is processed by the processor on the main board to form an image. Among them, the circuit board usually uses a rigid-flexible board, which is a combination of a printed circuit board and a flexible circuit board. The image sensor is mounted on the printed circuit board and is connected to the main board through the flexible circuit board.

[0007] However, for welding the corresponding image sensor, the traditional printed circuit board is relatively thick, which is not convenient for reducing the total height of the camera module. Therefore, improvement is needed. Summary of the Utility Model

[0008] The present utility model aims to provide a technical solution to solve the above problems in order to overcome the above deficiencies.

[0009] The present utility model provides a micro camera, which includes a flexible circuit board, a camera module, and a connector. One end of the flexible circuit board is installed with the camera module, and the other end is installed with the connector, so that an electrical connection is formed between the camera module and the connector through the flexible circuit board. One side of the flexible circuit board where the camera module is installed is set as the first side, and the other side facing away from the camera module is set as the second side. A first steel sheet is provided at a position corresponding to the camera module on the second side. The first steel sheet is fixedly connected to the second side of the flexible circuit board, and through the cooperation between the first steel sheet and the flexible circuit board, the camera module is welded to the first steel sheet and forms an electrical connection with the flexible circuit board.

[0010] As a further scheme of the present utility model: An extension circuit board is further provided at one end of the flexible circuit board where the camera module is installed. The extension circuit board is installed with a fill light group to provide the light required for illumination for the camera module.

[0011] As a further scheme of the present utility model: The fill light group is provided with a second steel sheet and at least two lamp beads. The second steel sheet is fixedly connected to the first side of the extension circuit board, and the lamp beads are fixedly connected to the second side of the extension circuit board. Through the cooperation between the second steel sheet and the extension circuit board, the lamp beads are welded to the second steel sheet and form an electrical connection with the extension circuit board.

[0012] As a further scheme of the present utility model: The extension circuit board is provided with a bending part, and the bending part can be bent by a certain amplitude so that the plane where the fill light group is located is kept in the same direction as the plane where the camera module is located, so that the fill light group provides fill light illumination for the camera module.

[0013] As a further scheme of the present utility model: The extension circuit board is provided with a first through hole, and the at least two lamp beads respectively surround the first through hole and are installed on the extension circuit board around the first through hole. The bending part is bent by a certain amplitude so that the first through hole is sleeved on the outer wall of the camera module.

[0014] As a further scheme of the present utility model: The camera module is provided with an optical element, a photoelectric conversion chip, and a base. The base is fixedly connected to the first steel sheet, the photoelectric conversion chip is fixedly connected to the inside of the base, and the optical element is rotatably connected to the top opening of the base and guides external light to the photoelectric conversion chip, so that the photoelectric conversion chip forms a corresponding electronic image.

[0015] As a further solution of the present utility model: Fixing columns are respectively arranged on both sides of the base along the long side direction of the flexible circuit board. The fixing columns are fixedly connected to the base and are used to assemble and fix the base to an external device.

[0016] As a further solution of the present utility model: An electromagnetic film is further arranged on the surface of the flexible circuit board, and the electromagnetic film is used for electromagnetic shielding of the flexible circuit board.

[0017] As a further solution of the present utility model: A third steel sheet is further arranged on the flexible circuit board. The third steel sheet is fixedly connected to the first side of the flexible circuit board. An auxiliary component is further arranged on the camera module. The auxiliary component is fixedly connected to the second side of the flexible circuit board. Through the mutual cooperation of the third steel sheet and the flexible circuit board, the auxiliary component is welded to the third steel sheet and forms an electrical connection with the flexible circuit board.

[0018] The present utility model further provides an electronic device, which is installed with the above-mentioned miniature camera.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model are as follows:

[0020] 1. By canceling the traditional printed circuit board and using a steel sheet to assist in welding the camera module, taking advantage of the characteristic that even if the steel sheet is made very thin, its strength is relatively strong, the overall thickness can be further reduced, so as to manufacture an ultra-thin miniature camera, especially facilitating installation on devices such as medical devices for use.

[0021] 2. The extension circuit board can also be set to install a supplementary light group, so that after it can be bent by a certain amplitude, it can provide supplementary light illumination for the camera module, and the LED lamp beads are also assisted in welding by a steel sheet, further reducing the thickness. At the same time, ultra-thin models can also be used to manufacture the lamp beads.

[0022] 3. Fixing columns are also arranged on both sides of the base, and the miniature camera can be directly installed in the required external device by using the fixing columns, making it convenient for installation and improving the installation efficiency.

[0023] 4. For the auxiliary components of the camera module, they are also assisted in welding in the form of a steel sheet, thereby further reducing the thickness of the flexible circuit board. At the same time, an electromagnetic film can be arranged on the surface of the flexible circuit board to reduce the degree of electromagnetic interference it receives.

[0024] Therefore, through the above improvements, the present utility model can provide a miniature camera and an electronic device. By using the thin, light and small miniature camera, it can be installed in electronic devices with relatively strict size requirements, especially in devices such as endoscopes and abortion tubes in the medical industry, so as to reduce the size of the corresponding devices and improve people's use experience.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of the present utility model will be given in part in the following description, become apparent in part from the following description, or be learned through the practice of the present utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the first side of the flexible circuit board of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the base and the fixing column of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the second side of the flexible circuit board of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the base and the optoelectronic conversion chip of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the bent state of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the flexible circuit board and the connector of the present utility model.

[0033] The reference numerals and names in the drawings are as follows:

[0034] 10 Flexible circuit board; 11 First side; 12 Second side; 13 First steel sheet; 20 Extended circuit board; 21 Bending part; 22 First through hole; 30 Supplementary light lamp group; 31 Second steel sheet; 32 Lamp beads; 40 Camera module; 41 Optical element; 42 Optoelectronic conversion chip; 43 Base; 44 Fixing column; 45 Auxiliary element; 46 Third steel sheet; 50 Connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0036] See also Figures 1 to 6 In an embodiment of the utility model, a miniature camera comprises a flexible circuit board 10, a camera module 40 and a connector 50. The camera module 40 is installed at one end of the flexible circuit board 10, and the connector 50 is installed at the other end thereof, so that the camera module 40 and the connector 50 are electrically connected through the flexible circuit board 10; one side of the flexible circuit board 10 on which the camera module 40 is installed is set as a first side 11, and the other side facing away from the camera module 40 is set as a second side 12, and a first steel sheet 13 is provided at a position of the second side 12 corresponding to the camera module 40, and the first steel sheet 13 is fixedly connected to the second side 12 of the flexible circuit board 10, and through the mutual cooperation between the first steel sheet 13 and the flexible circuit board 10, the camera module 40 is welded to the first steel sheet 13 and electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 10.

[0037] Specifically, in order to further reduce the size of the micro camera, especially to reduce the thickness of the micro camera, the relatively thick printed circuit board can be eliminated. However, only using the flexible circuit board 10 cannot weld and fix the camera module 40 well, so research and development improvements are needed. Through the applicant's research and development and experiments, combined with the characteristics of the flexible circuit board 10 and welding, a very thin steel sheet is added to the back of the flexible circuit board 10 where the components need to be welded, and the components are welded and fixed.

[0038] Secondly, due to the characteristics of the steel sheet itself, it can be made very thin and has a certain hardness, so that the components can be welded in combination with the flexible circuit board 10 so that they can be fixed on the steel sheet and can also form an electrical connection with the flexible circuit board 10.

[0039] Again, since an ultra-thin flexible circuit board 10 is used, it is not convenient to set a shielding layer, so an electromagnetic film in an existing product can be used. The surface of the flexible circuit board 10 is also provided with an electromagnetic film, and the electromagnetic film is used to electromagnetically shield the flexible circuit board 10. This improves the anti-interference ability of the flexible circuit board 10, so that it can transmit clear images.

[0040] In addition, in order to enable the micro camera to be connected to external electronic devices and realize the corresponding data and power transmission, a connector 50 can be provided at one end of the flexible circuit board 10. The connector 50 can adopt the BTB connector 50 in existing products, and its full name is Board-to-Board connector 50, which is a component used to connect different circuit boards (PCB, Printed Circuit Board) in electronic devices. Its main function is to provide a reliable electrical connection, allowing signals, power or data to be transmitted between one circuit board and another circuit board.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, preferably, an extension circuit board 20 is further provided at one end of the flexible circuit board 10 where the camera module 40 is installed, and a supplementary light lamp group 30 is installed on the extension circuit board 20 to provide the light required for illumination for the camera module 40.

[0042] Specifically, since common micro cameras are mainly used in some relatively narrow areas or inside the human body, it is necessary to supplement light to the photographed part in order to clearly photograph the corresponding part. Preferably, the supplementary light lamp group 30 is also connected by using the flexible circuit board 10. It can be understood that the specification of the extension circuit board 20 is the same as that of the flexible circuit board 10, and it is made of a flexible and ultra-thin FPC circuit board.

[0043] As Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, preferably, the supplementary light lamp group 30 is provided with a second steel sheet 31 and at least two lamp beads 32. The second steel sheet 31 is fixedly connected to the first side 11 of the extension circuit board 20, and the lamp beads 32 are fixedly connected to the second side 12 of the extension circuit board 20. Through the mutual cooperation of the second steel sheet 31 and the extension circuit board 20, the lamp beads 32 are welded to the second steel sheet 31 and form an electrical connection with the extension circuit board 20.

[0044] Specifically, in order to reduce the thickness of the supplementary light lamp group 30, similarly, the form of steel sheet cooperation can be adopted to weld and fix the lamp beads 32. The lamp beads 32 are preferably ultra-thin LED lamp beads 32 to reduce the overall thickness of the supplementary light lamp group 30.

[0045] As Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, preferably, the extension circuit board 20 is provided with a bending portion 21. The bending portion 21 can be bent by a certain amplitude so that the plane where the supplementary light lamp group 30 is located is kept in the same direction as the plane where the camera module 40 is located, so that the supplementary light lamp group 30 provides supplementary light illumination for the camera module 40. The extension circuit board 20 is provided with a first through hole 22. The at least two lamp beads 32 respectively surround the first through hole 22 and are installed on the extension circuit board 20 around the first through hole 22. The bending portion 21 is bent by a certain amplitude so that the first through hole 22 is sleeved on the outer wall of the camera module 40.

[0046] Specifically, in order to further optimize the lighting effect of the supplementary light lamp group 30, preferably, the supplementary light lamp group 30 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the optical element 41 of the camera module 40, so that the illumination of the object can be clearer and the generation of shadows can be reduced. Moreover, by using the bending characteristic of the flexible circuit board 10 of the bending portion 21, after the supplementary light lamp group 30 is bent backward, it can be covered on the camera module 40.

[0047] In addition, when two light beads 32 are provided, preferably, the two light beads 32 are respectively installed on the extended circuit board 20 at the two ends of the same radial direction of the first through hole 22. If the number of light beads 32 is more than two, such as three or four, preferably, multiple light beads 32 are evenly spaced around the first through hole 22 and installed on the extended circuit board 20.

[0048] As Figure 4 shown, preferably, the camera module 40 is provided with an optical element 41, a photoelectric conversion chip 42 and a base 43. The base 43 is fixedly connected to the first steel sheet 13. The photoelectric conversion chip 42 is fixedly connected inside the base 43. The optical element 41 is rotatably connected to the top opening of the base 43 and guides external light to the photoelectric conversion chip 42, so that the photoelectric conversion chip 42 forms a corresponding electronic image.

[0049] Specifically, the photoelectric conversion chip 42 can be welded to the flexible circuit board 10 through the first steel sheet 13 to form an electrical connection with the flexible circuit board 10. The base 43 can also be fixed on the flexible circuit board 10 or fixed on the first steel sheet 13 by welding or gluing.

[0050] Secondly, the top opening of the base 43 can be provided with internal threads, and the outer periphery of the optical element 41 can be provided with external threads, so that they cooperate with each other, and the optical element 41 is threadedly connected to the base 43. At the same time, by rotating the optical element 41, due to the characteristics of threaded connection, the distance between the optical element 41 and the photoelectric conversion chip 42 can be changed, thereby adjusting the focal length of the camera module 40.

[0051] As Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 shown, preferably, fixing columns 44 are respectively provided on both sides of the base 43 along the long side direction of the flexible circuit board 10. The fixing columns 44 are fixedly connected to the base 43 and are used to assemble and fix the base 43 to an external device.

[0052] In order to simplify the installation process and optimize its installation structure, fixing columns 44 can also be provided on both sides of the base 43. The fixing columns 44 can be snap-connected to corresponding grooves in the external device, so as to install the micro camera in the corresponding position.

[0053] As Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, preferably, the flexible circuit board 10 is further provided with a third steel sheet 46, the third steel sheet 46 is fixedly connected to the first side 11 of the flexible circuit board 10, the camera module 40 is further provided with an auxiliary component 45, the auxiliary component 45 is fixedly connected to the second side 12 of the flexible circuit board 10, and through the mutual cooperation of the third steel sheet 46 and the flexible circuit board 10, the auxiliary component 45 is welded to the third steel sheet 46 and forms an electrical connection with the flexible circuit board 10.

[0054] Specifically, since the photoelectric conversion chip 42 for driving the camera module 40 also requires certain auxiliary components 45, such as capacitors and resistors, etc., therefore, a third steel sheet 46 can also be arranged at a suitable position on the flexible circuit board 10, so that the corresponding auxiliary components 45 can be welded to the third steel sheet 46, thereby forming an electrical connection with the flexible circuit board 10 and performing corresponding driving work. It can be understood that the capacitors and resistors are preferably surface mount capacitors or surface mount resistors in existing products to further reduce their thickness.

[0055] For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present invention, the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms. Therefore, from any point of view, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description. Therefore, it is intended to include all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims in the present invention.

Claims

1. A micro camera, characterized in that, It includes a flexible circuit board (10), an imaging module (40), and a connector (50). One end of the flexible circuit board (10) is mounted with the imaging module (40), and the other end is mounted with the connector (50), so that an electrical connection is formed between the imaging module (40) and the connector (50) through the flexible circuit board (10). One side of the flexible circuit board (10) where the imaging module (40) is mounted is set as the first side (11), and the other side facing away from the imaging module (40) is set as the second side (12). A first steel sheet (13) is provided at a position of the second side (12) corresponding to the imaging module (40). The first steel sheet (13) is fixedly connected to the second side (12) of the flexible circuit board (10), and through the cooperation of the first steel sheet (13) and the flexible circuit board (10) with each other, the imaging module (40) is welded to the first steel sheet (13) and forms an electrical connection with the flexible circuit board (10).

2. The miniature camera according to claim 1, wherein, An extension circuit board (20) is further provided at one end of the flexible circuit board (10) where the imaging module (40) is mounted. The extension circuit board (20) is mounted with a fill light group (30) to provide the light required for illumination for the imaging module (40).

3. The miniature camera according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fill light group (30) is provided with a second steel sheet (31) and at least two lamp beads (32). The second steel sheet (31) is fixedly connected to the first side (11) of the extension circuit board (20), and the lamp beads (32) are fixedly connected to the second side (12) of the extension circuit board (20). Through the cooperation of the second steel sheet (31) and the extension circuit board (20) with each other, the lamp beads (32) are welded to the second steel sheet (31) and form an electrical connection with the extension circuit board (20).

4. A micro camera according to claim 3, characterized in that, The extension circuit board (20) is provided with a bending portion (21), and the bending portion (21) can be bent by a certain amplitude so that the plane where the fill light group (30) is located is kept in the same direction as the plane where the imaging module (40) is located, so that the fill light group (30) provides fill light illumination for the imaging module (40).

5. A micro camera according to claim 4, characterized in that, The extension circuit board (20) is provided with a first through hole (22). The at least two lamp beads (32) respectively surround the first through hole (22) and are mounted on the extension circuit board (20) around the first through hole (22). The bending portion (21) is bent by a certain amplitude so that the first through hole (22) is sleeved on the outer wall of the imaging module (40).

6. The micro camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging module (40) is provided with an optical element (41), a photoelectric conversion chip (42), and a base (43). The base (43) is fixedly connected to the first steel sheet (13), the photoelectric conversion chip (42) is fixedly connected inside the base (43), and the optical element (41) is rotatably connected to the top opening of the base (43) and guides external light to the photoelectric conversion chip (42), so that the photoelectric conversion chip (42) forms a corresponding electronic image.

7. A micro camera according to claim 6, characterized in that Fixing columns (44) are respectively provided on both sides of the base (43) along the long side direction of the flexible circuit board (10). The fixing columns (44) are fixedly connected to the base (43) and are used to assemble and fix the base (43) to an external device.

8. A micro camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, An electromagnetic film is further provided on the surface of the flexible circuit board (10), and the electromagnetic film is used for electromagnetic shielding of the flexible circuit board (10).

9. A micro camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible circuit board (10) is further provided with a third steel sheet (46), the third steel sheet (46) is fixedly connected to the first side (11) of the flexible circuit board (10), the camera module (40) is further provided with an auxiliary component (45), the auxiliary component (45) is fixedly connected to the second side (12) of the flexible circuit board (10), and through the mutual cooperation of the third steel sheet (46) and the flexible circuit board (10), the auxiliary component (45) is welded to the third steel sheet (46) and forms an electrical connection with the flexible circuit board (10).

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, A micro camera according to any one of claims 1-9 is installed.

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