Vehicle-mounted camera module and vehicle

By configuring an in-vehicle camera module with multiple connectors and heating wires, the problem of lens module fogging or icing in low-temperature environments has been solved, achieving multi-channel synchronous output and low-temperature anti-fogging, reducing costs and improving user experience.

CN224021812UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-20ZHEJIANG ZEEKR INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-23
Publication Date
2026-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle camera modules are prone to fogging or icing in low-temperature environments, resulting in blurry images. Existing solutions increase hardware costs and are inconvenient to operate, affecting user experience.

Method used

Multiple connectors are configured to transmit image signals separately, and heating wires are used to heat the lens module cavity to achieve multi-channel synchronous output and low-temperature anti-fogging function.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the redundancy cost of multiple camera modules, improves the user experience, ensures the imaging clarity of the lens modules, and meets user needs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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  • Figure CN224021812U_ABST
    Figure CN224021812U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model discloses a vehicle-mounted camera module and a vehicle. The vehicle-mounted camera module comprises a machine shell, a camera assembly, a plurality of connectors and a heating wire, and a lens module containing cavity is formed in the machine shell; the camera shooting assembly is installed in the machine shell, the camera shooting assembly comprises a lens module and a control mainboard, and the lens module is arranged in the lens module containing cavity and electrically connected with the control mainboard; the plurality of connectors are arranged in parallel, are electrically connected with the control mainboard respectively, and are used for transmitting image signals acquired by the lens module to the outside respectively; and the heating wire is at least partially arranged in the lens module accommodating cavity and is used for heating the environment temperature of the lens module accommodating cavity. The vehicle-mounted camera module not only can guarantee the parallel image requirement of multiple systems, but also can maintain the imaging definition of the lens module through active heating, so that the redundancy cost of multiple camera modules can be reduced, and the use experience of a user can be improved to meet the actual requirement of the user.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of vehicle-mounted cameras, and in particular relates to a vehicle-mounted camera module and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of rapid development of vehicle intelligence, camera modules, as core components of advanced driver assistance systems, are becoming standard equipment in the vehicle field.

[0003] Current vehicle camera modules mostly employ a single-channel video signal output scheme, meaning the image signals captured by the camera module can only be transmitted to the cabin's streaming media or driver assistance systems. However, in complex and variable driving environments, especially in low-temperature conditions, the front lens of the camera module is prone to fogging or even icing, leading to blurred images and functional failure. To solve this problem, existing solutions require multiple camera modules to redundantly capture the same scene, and the lens modules must be manually wiped after the image clarity is judged. This approach not only increases hardware costs but also negatively impacts user experience due to operational inconvenience, making it difficult to meet practical needs. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide an in-vehicle camera module and vehicle for solving the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] A vehicle-mounted camera module, comprising:

[0006] The housing has a cavity for the lens module.

[0007] A camera assembly is installed inside the housing. The camera assembly includes a lens module and a control motherboard. The lens module is disposed within the lens module cavity and is electrically connected to the control motherboard.

[0008] Multiple connectors are arranged in parallel and electrically connected to the control motherboard, respectively, for transmitting the image signals acquired by the lens module to the outside.

[0009] A heating wire is at least partially disposed within the lens module cavity to heat the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity.

[0010] Understandably, by configuring multiple connectors to transmit image signals separately and using heating wires to heat the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity, the camera module can achieve multi-channel synchronous output of image signals and low-temperature anti-fogging function. This allows the vehicle camera module to not only guarantee the parallel image requirements of multiple systems, but also maintain the imaging clarity of the lens module through active heating. This not only reduces the redundancy cost of multiple camera modules, but also improves the user experience to meet the actual needs of users.

[0011] In one embodiment, the heating wire includes a heating part disposed on the side of the lens module away from the control motherboard, for heating the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity;

[0012] The heating element is ring-shaped.

[0013] It is understandable that using a ring-shaped heating element to heat the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity can improve the heating efficiency of the heating wire when heating the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity.

[0014] In one embodiment, the vehicle-mounted camera module further includes a cable assembly disposed on the outside of the housing and connected to the housing;

[0015] The cable assembly includes a power control board, which is electrically connected to the heating wire and is used to control the power supply to / from the heating wire.

[0016] It is understandable that the heating wire is powered by the power control board of the external cable assembly. This ensures the working voltage of the heating wire and prevents it from affecting the power supply of the camera assembly, thereby improving the working stability of the vehicle camera module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the heating wire extends outward relative to the housing portion, and the portion of the heating wire extending out of the housing abuts and is limited by the housing.

[0018] The portion of the heating wire extending out of the housing is electrically connected to the power control board.

[0019] Understandably, the heating wire is electrically connected to the power control board via the portion extending out of the housing, which facilitates the assembly and connection between the heating wire and the power control board.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cable assembly further includes a cover plate that abuts against and limits the housing, and the cover plate and the housing are connected by a connector.

[0021] The power control board is located inside the cover plate, and the power control board can be electrically connected to the heating wire via a probe.

[0022] Understandably, the precise positioning of the cover plate during assembly on the housing ensures the stability of the electrical connection between the power control board and the heating wire via the probes.

[0023] In one embodiment, a plurality of connector joints are formed on the housing, each of the plurality of connector joints corresponding to a plurality of connectors, and the connector joints are used to accommodate the corresponding connectors.

[0024] Furthermore, multiple connector joints are disposed on the outer side of the cover plate.

[0025] Understandably, the cover plate avoids the connector joints on the housing. This prevents the installation of the cover plate on the housing from affecting the original connector joints on the housing, and meets the usage requirements of the cover plate installation on the housing.

[0026] In one embodiment, a protective cover is installed on the housing, and the lens module can take pictures and generate the image signal through the protective cover;

[0027] The vehicle-mounted camera module also includes a temperature measuring element, which is disposed within the cavity of the lens module and is used to detect the temperature of the protective cover and generate a feedback signal. The feedback signal can control the power supply to / from the heating wire.

[0028] It is understandable that using the temperature detected by the temperature sensor to control the operation of the heating wire allows the heating wire to be activated as needed, which not only extends the service life of the heating wire but also reduces power consumption.

[0029] In one embodiment, the vehicle-mounted camera module further includes a temperature control circuit board, which is installed inside the housing and electrically connected to the temperature measuring element;

[0030] Furthermore, the temperature control circuit board is located on the side of the control motherboard facing the lens module.

[0031] In one embodiment, the housing includes a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing, wherein the second housing is disposed between the first housing and the third housing, and is respectively positioned and connected to the first housing and the third housing;

[0032] The lens module is installed inside the first housing and is abutted and limited by the second housing, while the control motherboard is installed inside the second housing and is abutted and limited by the third housing.

[0033] The connectors and connector heads are one-to-one correspondences, and the connector heads and the third housing are an integral structure.

[0034] It is understandable that the assembly positioning between the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing is used to limit the assembly of the lens module and the control motherboard within the housing, which facilitates the overall assembly of the vehicle camera module.

[0035] This application also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned vehicle-mounted camera module.

[0036] Due to the application of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0037] The vehicle-mounted camera module and vehicle claimed in this application transmit image signals separately by configuring multiple connectors and heating the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity using heating wires. This enables multi-channel synchronous output of image signals from the camera module and low-temperature anti-fogging function. As a result, the vehicle-mounted camera module can not only guarantee the parallel image requirements of multiple systems, but also maintain the image clarity of the lens module through active heating. This not only reduces the redundancy cost of multiple camera modules, but also improves the user experience to meet the actual needs of users. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle-mounted camera module provided in this application.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the vehicle-mounted camera module provided in this application from another perspective.

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view of AA.

[0042] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of the middle P section.

[0043] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the casing in this application.

[0044] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the cover plate and the third housing assembly in this application.

[0045] Reference numerals: 100, vehicle-mounted camera module; 10, housing; 101, first screw; 102, second screw; 110, lens module cavity; 11, first housing; 111, positioning protrusion; 12, second housing; 13, third housing; 131, extension boss; 132, extension protrusion; 133, connector joint; 14, protective cover; 20, camera assembly; 21, lens module; 22, control main board; 30, connector; 40, heating wire; 410, reinforcing plate; 41, heating element; 50, cable assembly; 501, connector; 51, power control board; 511, probe; 52, cover plate; 60, temperature measuring element; 70, temperature control circuit board; 71, heat sink. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "located on" another component, it can be directly located on the other component or may have an intervening component. When a component is considered to be "located on" another component, it can be directly located on the other component or may have an intervening component. When a component is considered to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly fixed to the other component or may have an intervening component.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, the vehicle-mounted camera module 100 provided in this application includes a housing 10, a camera assembly 20, multiple connectors 30, and a heating wire 40. The housing 10 forms a lens module cavity 110. The camera assembly 20 is installed inside the housing 10 and includes a lens module 21 and a control motherboard 22. The lens module 21 is disposed within the lens module cavity 110 and electrically connected to the control motherboard 22. The multiple connectors 30 are arranged in parallel and electrically connected to the control motherboard 22 respectively, and are used to transmit image signals acquired by the lens module 21 to the outside. The heating wire 40 is at least partially disposed within the lens module cavity 110 and is used to heat the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity 110. Here, the number of connectors 30 is configured to be two, one connector 30 is used to transmit the image signal acquired by the lens module 21 to the streaming media in the cockpit, and the other connector 30 is used to transmit the image signal acquired by the lens module 21 to the driver assistance system. It should be noted that the specific structure of the connector 30 and the working principle of how to transmit the image signal acquired by the lens module 21 to the outside can be implemented using existing conventional methods, and will not be elaborated here.

[0050] As can be seen from the above, the vehicle-mounted camera module 100 of this application is equipped with multiple connectors 30 to transmit image signals respectively, and uses heating wire 40 to heat the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity 110. This enables the vehicle-mounted camera module 100 to achieve multi-channel synchronous output of image signals and low-temperature anti-fogging function. This allows the vehicle-mounted camera module 100 to not only ensure the parallel image requirements of multiple systems, but also to maintain the image clarity of the lens module 21 through active heating. This not only reduces the redundancy cost of multiple camera modules, but also improves the user experience to meet the actual needs of users.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the housing 10 includes a first housing 11, a second housing 12, and a third housing 13. The second housing 12 is disposed between the first housing 11 and the third housing 13, and is positioned and connected to both the first housing 11 and the third housing 13, thereby enabling the second housing 12 to be assembled and positioned with both the first housing 11 and the third housing 13. Here, the first housing 11, the second housing 12, and the third housing 13 are all configured as metal shells, so that the housing 10 can dissipate heat when the vehicle-mounted camera module 100 is in operation.

[0052] like Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, a positioning protrusion 111 is formed on the first housing 11. The positioning protrusion 111 can be inserted and engaged with the second housing 12 to achieve assembly positioning between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. Then, a first screw 101 is used to pass through the first housing 11 and screw onto the second housing 12 to achieve the assembly connection between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. Here, the number of first screws 101 is configured to be four, and the four first screws 101 are arranged at the four corners of the first housing 11.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, an extended boss 131 is formed on the third housing 13. The extended boss 131 can be inserted and engaged with the second housing 12 to achieve assembly positioning between the third housing 13 and the second housing 12. Then, a second screw 102 is used to pass through the third housing 13 and screw onto the second housing 12 to achieve the assembly connection between the third housing 13 and the second housing 12. Here, the number of second screws 102 is configured to be four, and the four second screws 102 are arranged at the four corner positions of the third housing 13.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the lens module 21 is partially installed in the first housing 11 and is abutted and limited by the second housing 12, and the control motherboard 22 is partially installed in the second housing 12 and is abutted and limited by the third housing 13. This can realize the assembly and limitation of the camera component 20 in the housing 10, which facilitates the overall assembly of the vehicle camera module 100.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the heating wire 40 includes a heating section 41, which is annular. The heating section 41 is disposed on the side of the lens module 21 away from the control motherboard 22, and is used to heat the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity 110. In other words, the heating wire 40 in this embodiment can heat the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity 110 using the annular heating section 41, thereby increasing the area of ​​the heating wire 40 within the lens module cavity 110 and improving the heating efficiency of the heating wire 40 when heating the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity 110.

[0056] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the vehicle-mounted camera module 100 further includes a cable assembly 50, which is disposed on the outside of the housing 10 and connected to the housing 10. The cable assembly 50 includes a power control board 51, which is electrically connected to the heating wire 40 and used to control the power supply to / from the heating wire 40. In other words, the vehicle-mounted camera module 100 of this embodiment can supply power to the heating wire 40 using the power control board 51 of the external cable assembly 50, and achieve independent power supply between the heating wire 40 and the camera assembly 20. This ensures the operating voltage of the heating wire 40 and prevents it from affecting the power supply to the camera assembly 20, thereby improving the operational stability of the vehicle-mounted camera module 100. Here, the cable assembly 50 is mounted on the third housing 13 of the housing 10.

[0057] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the heating wire 40 extends outward relative to the housing 10, and the portion of the heating wire 40 extending out of the housing 10 abuts and is limited by the housing 10; wherein, the portion of the heating wire 40 extending out of the housing 10 is electrically connected to the power control board 51. That is to say, this embodiment uses the method of the heating wire 40 extending out of the housing 10 to achieve the electrical connection between the heating wire 40 and the power control board 51, which facilitates the assembly and connection between the heating wire 40 and the power control board 51.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the heating wire 40 is insulated from the third housing 13 of the housing 10; specifically, the third housing 13 is anodized to make its surface non-conductive; the heating wire 40 is entirely surrounded by insulating material; and a non-conductive reinforcing plate 410 is added between the portion of the heating wire 40 that abuts and is limited to the third housing 13 and the third housing 13 to enhance the isolation effect between the heating wire 40 and the third housing 13.

[0059] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the cable assembly 50 further includes a cover plate 52, which abuts against and limits the housing 10, and is connected to the housing 10 via a connector 501. A power control board 51 is disposed within the cover plate 52, and the power control board 51 is electrically connected to the heating wire 40 via a probe 511. In other words, this embodiment utilizes the precise positioning of the cover plate 52 during assembly on the housing 10 to ensure the stability of the electrical connection between the power control board 51 and the heating wire 40 via the probe 511. Here, the cover plate 52 is configured as a plastic cover. Here, the connector 501 is configured as a screw, bolt, etc. It should be noted that this embodiment utilizes a reinforcing plate 410 disposed between the heating wire 40 and the third housing 13 to ensure that when the probe 511 is pressed against the heating wire 40, it does not contact the third housing 13, thereby further ensuring the insulation between the heating wire 40 and the third housing 13.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, an extension protrusion 132 is formed on the third housing 13. The extension protrusion 132 is correspondingly provided with the connector 501. The extension protrusion 132 can be inserted and engaged with the cover plate 52, thereby realizing the assembly positioning of the cover plate 52 when it is assembled on the third housing 13. Then, the connector 501 passes through the cover plate 52 and is screwed to the corresponding extension protrusion 132 to fix the cover plate 52 to the third housing 13.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of connector joints 133 are formed on the housing 10, each corresponding to a plurality of connectors 30, and the connector joints 133 are used to accommodate the corresponding connectors 30; furthermore, the plurality of connector joints 133 are disposed on the outer side of the cover plate 52. That is to say, in this embodiment, the cover plate 52 is disposed away from the connector joints 133 on the housing 10, which avoids the assembly of the cover plate 52 on the housing 10 from affecting the original connector joints 133 on the housing 10, and meets the usage requirements of the cover plate 52 being assembled on the housing 10. Here, the connector joints 133 are disposed on the third housing 13 and are integrally formed with the third housing 13.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, a protective cover 14 is installed on the housing 10, and the lens module 21 can capture images and generate image signals through the protective cover 14. The vehicle-mounted camera module 100 also includes a temperature sensor 60, which is disposed within the lens module cavity 110. The temperature sensor 60 detects the temperature of the protective cover 14 and generates a feedback signal, which controls the energization / de-energization of the heating wire 40. In other words, the vehicle-mounted camera module 100 of this embodiment can use the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 60 to control the operation of the heating wire 40, allowing the heating wire 40 to be activated as needed. This not only extends the service life of the heating wire 40 but also reduces power consumption. Here, the protective cover 14 is specifically a silicon window cover, and the temperature sensor 60 is configured as an NTC thermometer.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the vehicle-mounted camera module 100 also includes a temperature control circuit board 70. The temperature control circuit board 70 is disposed on the side of the control main board 22 facing the lens module 21, and is installed inside the housing 10 and electrically connected to the temperature measuring element 60. That is, in this embodiment, the temperature control circuit board 70 is used to generate a feedback signal when the temperature measuring element 60 detects the temperature of the protective cover 14. Here, the temperature control circuit board 70 is thermally connected to a heat sink 71 on the side facing the control main board 22, and the heat generated by the temperature control circuit board 70 during operation can be transferred to the housing 10 by the heat sink 71 and dissipated by the housing 10.

[0064] In addition, this application also provides a vehicle including the vehicle-mounted camera module 100 described above.

[0065] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0066] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any appropriate changes and variations made to the above embodiments within the scope of the essential spirit of the present utility model shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present utility model.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted camera module, characterized in that, The vehicle-mounted camera module (100) includes: The housing (10) has a lens module cavity (110); A camera assembly (20) is installed inside the housing (10). The camera assembly (20) includes a lens module (21) and a control motherboard (22). The lens module (21) is disposed in the lens module cavity (110) and electrically connected to the control motherboard (22). Multiple connectors (30) are arranged in parallel and electrically connected to the control motherboard (22) respectively, and are used to transmit the image signals acquired by the lens module (21) to the outside. A heating wire (40) is at least partially disposed within the lens module cavity (110) for heating the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity (110).

2. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating wire (40) includes a heating part (41), which is disposed on the side of the lens module (21) away from the control motherboard (22) and is used to heat the ambient temperature of the lens module cavity (110). The heating part (41) is annular.

3. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle-mounted camera module (100) also includes a cable assembly (50), which is disposed on the outside of the housing (10) and connected to the housing (10); The cable assembly (50) includes a power control board (51), which is electrically connected to the heating wire (40) and is used to control the power on / off of the heating wire (40).

4. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heating wire (40) extends outward relative to the housing (10), and the portion of the heating wire (40) extending out of the housing (10) abuts against and is limited by the housing (10); The portion of the heating wire (40) extending out of the housing (10) is electrically connected to the power control board (51).

5. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cable assembly (50) further includes a cover plate (52), which abuts against and limits the housing (10), and the cover plate (52) and the housing (10) are connected by a connector (501); The power control board (51) is located inside the cover plate (52), and the power control board (51) can be electrically connected to the heating wire (40) through the probe (511).

6. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The housing (10) has a plurality of connector joints (133) formed thereon, each of the plurality of connector joints (133) corresponding to a plurality of connectors (30), and the connector joints (133) are used to accommodate the corresponding connectors (30); Furthermore, a plurality of the connector joints (133) are disposed on the outer side of the cover plate (52).

7. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, A protective cover (14) is installed on the housing (10), and the lens module (21) can take pictures and generate the image signal through the protective cover (14); The vehicle-mounted camera module (100) also includes a temperature measuring element (60), which is disposed in the lens module cavity (110) and is used to detect the temperature of the protective cover (14) and generate a feedback signal. The feedback signal can control the power on / off of the heating wire (40).

8. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The vehicle-mounted camera module (100) also includes a temperature control circuit board (70), which is installed inside the housing (10) and electrically connected to the temperature measuring element (60); Furthermore, the temperature control circuit board (70) is located on the side of the control main board (22) facing the lens module (21).

9. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (10) includes a first housing (11), a second housing (12) and a third housing (13), wherein the second housing (12) is disposed between the first housing (11) and the third housing (13), and is positioned and connected to the first housing (11) and the third housing (13) respectively; The lens module (21) is partially installed inside the first housing (11) and is abutted and limited by the second housing (12), and the control motherboard (22) is partially installed inside the second housing (12) and is abutted and limited by the third housing (13). The connector (30) corresponds one-to-one with the connector joint (133), and the connector joint (133) and the third housing (13) are an integral structure.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the vehicle-mounted camera module (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.