Integrated camera module self-cleaning system

Abstract

According to the integrated camera module self-cleaning system, the cleaning module is arranged on the front shell of the camera module body, the driving device in the module drives the cleaning module to remove dirt on the surface of a lens, the imaging quality of camera equipment is guaranteed, the driving device is integrated in the camera module body, the size is small, and the driving device is convenient to use. According to the integrated module self-cleaning system, parts are concentrated, compared with a traditional self-cleaning camera module, the integrated module self-cleaning system does not need an additional space structure for fixing, only the camera module body needs to be fixed, the space of a client host is saved, the number of client parts and installation procedures are reduced, the cost is saved, the driving device is internally arranged, and the camera module body is provided with a power supply interface. The client host does not need to provide an additional power supply interface to power the driving device, and user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lens cleaning, specifically to an integrated self-cleaning system for camera modules. Background Technology

[0002] With the innovation of science and technology, the application fields of camera equipment are becoming more diversified, and the number of devices installed is growing rapidly. From security monitoring to drones and intelligent driving of automobiles, due to the increased demand for outdoor use, the impact of environmental factors such as dust and rain on the imaging quality of camera modules has also attracted much attention from users. Some camera equipment used in external environments, such as highway monitoring cameras, are installed in high and inaccessible locations, making manual cleaning difficult and maintenance costs high. Intelligent driving of automobiles, such as CMS camera modules, require timely cleaning of dust and rainwater adhering to the lens surface to ensure their imaging effect and thus improve the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the problem that existing camera equipment cannot clean the lens surface in a timely manner, this invention provides an integrated module self-cleaning system. Through a built-in drive device, the cleaning module is driven to remove dirt from the lens surface, ensuring the imaging quality of the camera equipment.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an integrated camera module self-cleaning system, including a module housing, a lens disposed on the front side of the module housing and exposed therefrom, and a cleaning module and a driving device disposed on the front side of the module housing. The output end of the driving device is driven and connected to the cleaning module. The cleaning module can be moved to the lens surface to wipe it under the drive of the driving device.

[0005] As described above, an integrated camera module self-cleaning system includes a cleaning module comprising:

[0006] The bracket is located on the front side of the module housing;

[0007] The cleaning blade is hinged to the bracket and can be rotated to fit against or detach from the lens surface.

[0008] A transmission disc, which is rotatably mounted on the bracket and connected to the drive device and the cleaning blade respectively, is used to drive the cleaning blade to rotate under the drive of the drive device.

[0009] The pressure cap, which cooperates with the bracket, to confine the drive disc and cleaning blades to the bracket.

[0010] As described above, an integrated camera module self-cleaning system has a lens channel in the middle between the bracket, transmission plate, and pressure cover to accommodate the lens, and the cleaning blade can move into or out of the lens channel.

[0011] As described above, the integrated camera module self-cleaning system has a cleaning blade composed of multiple blade units, and the bracket is provided with multiple hinge shafts for hinged to the multiple blade units respectively.

[0012] Multiple blades can be moved around the hinge and along the periphery of the lens surface into the center of the lens surface under the synchronous drive of the transmission disk, so that multiple blades cooperate to cover the entire lens surface.

[0013] Multiple blade components can also be moved from the center of the lens surface to the periphery of the lens around the hinge under the synchronous drive of the transmission disk, so that multiple blade components are separated from the entire surface of the lens.

[0014] As described above, in an integrated camera module self-cleaning system, each of the multiple blades is equipped with a lever, and the transmission disk is provided with multiple obliquely arranged transmission grooves for correspondingly fitting the levers.

[0015] As described above, the integrated camera module self-cleaning system has a blade-type structure, which is made of a plastic layer and a silicone layer bonded together. The side closer to the drive plate is the plastic layer, and the side closer to the lens is the silicone layer.

[0016] The integrated camera module self-cleaning system described above has four blades per unit.

[0017] As described above, an integrated camera module self-cleaning system has an annular guide groove on the bracket, a through lever groove inside the annular guide groove, a transmission disk rear end sleeved in the annular guide groove to form a rotatable connection, and a transmission lever on the rear end of the transmission disk passing through the lever groove and connected to the drive device for transmission.

[0018] The integrated camera module self-cleaning system described above also includes a circuit board assembly disposed inside the module housing, and the input terminal of the drive device is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly.

[0019] As described above, the integrated camera module self-cleaning system includes a driving device comprising a solenoid valve located on the front side of the module housing. The output end of the solenoid valve is connected to the transmission plate via a connecting rod, and the input end is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly via a wire.

[0020] As described above, in an integrated camera module self-cleaning system, two solenoid valves are provided on the front side of the module housing, and two transmission levers corresponding to the two solenoid valves are provided at the rear end of the transmission disc, with the two solenoid valves driving in opposite directions.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0022] This application provides an integrated self-cleaning system for camera modules. The cleaning module is mounted on the front shell of the camera module body. A drive unit within the module drives the cleaning module to remove dirt from the lens surface, ensuring the imaging quality of the camera device. The drive unit is integrated inside the camera module body, resulting in a small size and concentrated components. Compared to traditional self-cleaning camera modules, this integrated self-cleaning system requires no additional space structure for fixation; only the camera module body needs to be fixed, saving space on the customer's host computer, reducing the number of customer parts and installation steps, and saving costs. Furthermore, the drive unit is built-in, and the camera module body has its own power supply interface, eliminating the need for the customer's host computer to provide an additional power supply interface for the drive unit, thus improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated camera module self-cleaning system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an integrated camera module self-cleaning system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning module blades in the open state in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the cleaning module blades in the open state in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning module blades in the closed state in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the cleaning module blades in the closed state in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive device solenoid valve in the retracted state in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the drive device solenoid valve in the retracted state in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive device solenoid valve in the extended state in the embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 10This is an exploded view of the solenoid valve of the drive device in the extended state in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an integrated camera module self-cleaning system in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] like Figure 1-11 As shown, this application provides an integrated camera module self-cleaning system, including a module housing 1, a lens 2 disposed on the front side of the module housing 1 and exposed therefrom, and a circuit board assembly 3 disposed inside the module housing 1. It also includes a cleaning module 4 disposed on the front side of the module housing 1 and a driving device 5. The input end of the driving device 5 is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly 3, and the output end is drivenly connected to the cleaning module 4. The cleaning module 4 is disposed on the periphery of the surface of the lens 2, and can be moved to the surface of the lens 2 under the drive of the driving device 5 to wipe it.

[0036] This application provides an integrated self-cleaning system for camera modules. The cleaning module is mounted on the front shell of the camera module body. A drive unit within the module drives the cleaning module to remove dirt from the lens surface, ensuring the imaging quality of the camera device. The drive unit is integrated inside the camera module body, resulting in a small size and concentrated components. Compared to traditional self-cleaning camera modules, this integrated self-cleaning system requires no additional space structure for fixation; only the camera module body needs to be fixed, saving space on the customer's host computer, reducing the number of customer parts and installation steps, and saving costs. Furthermore, the drive unit is built-in, and the camera module body has its own power supply interface, eliminating the need for the customer's host computer to provide an additional power supply interface for the drive unit, thus improving the user experience.

[0037] The working principle of this solution is as follows: When the camera module is connected to the host and working, the image clarity is affected by dirt on the lens surface caused by dust, rain, etc. At this time, the user can issue a cleaning command through the host. The camera module receives the signal and supplies power to the drive device. The drive device outputs power to drive the cleaning module to clean. When the cleaning is completed, the user ends the cleaning command, the drive module stops supplying power to the cleaning module drive device, and the cleaning action ends.

[0038] Furthermore, the cleaning module 4 includes a bracket 41, a cleaning blade 42, a transmission disk 43, and a pressure cap 44. The bracket 41 is located on the front side of the module housing 1. The cleaning blade 42 is hinged to the bracket 41 and can rotate to fit against or detach from the surface of the lens 2. The transmission disk 43 is rotatably mounted on the bracket 41 and is connected to the driving device 5 and the cleaning blade 42 respectively, for driving the cleaning blade 42 to rotate under the drive of the driving device 5. The pressure cap 44 cooperates with the bracket 41 to confine the transmission disk 43 and the cleaning blade 42 on the bracket 41. Specifically, the pressure cap is connected to the bracket by threads to fix the transmission disk, and the driving device drives the transmission disk 43 to rotate within the bracket 41, thereby driving the cleaning blade 42 to wipe the lens surface.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the middle part between the bracket 41, the transmission disk 43 and the pressure cover 44 has a lens channel 40 to accommodate the lens 2. The cleaning blade 42 can be moved into or out of the lens channel 40. The lens 2 takes pictures normally through the lens channel 40. This design can avoid affecting the normal operation of the lens 2.

[0040] As a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning blade 42 is composed of multiple blade units 421, and the bracket 41 is provided with multiple hinge shafts 411 for respectively hinged to the multiple blade units 421; the multiple blade units 421 can be moved around the hinge point along the periphery of the lens 2 surface into the center of the lens 2 surface under the synchronous drive of the transmission disk 43, so that the multiple blade units 421 cooperate to cover the entire surface of the lens 2; the multiple blade units 421 can also be moved around the hinge point from the center of the lens 2 surface to the periphery of the lens 2 under the synchronous drive of the transmission disk 43, so that the multiple blade units 421 detach from the entire surface of the lens 2. In a specific embodiment of this application, the number of blade units 421 is 4; the rotation center of the four blades is fixed on the hinge shafts 411 of the bracket.

[0041] As a further preferred embodiment, the bracket 41 is provided with an annular guide groove 412, and a through lever groove 413 is provided in the annular guide groove 412. The rear end of the transmission disc 43 is sleeved in the annular guide groove 412 to form a rotatable connection. The rear end of the transmission disc 43 is provided with a transmission lever 432 that passes through the lever groove 413 and is connected to the drive device 5 for transmission. The transmission disc is supported by the bracket and rotates in the annular guide groove. The transmission disc is made of metal (preferably aluminum alloy: lightweight, high strength, and widely used), and the side end is used as a lever. The transmission disc is supported by the bracket and rotates in the annular guide groove.

[0042] As a further preferred embodiment, each of the multiple blade units 421 is provided with a lever 422, and the transmission disk 43 is provided with multiple obliquely arranged transmission grooves 431 for correspondingly fitting the lever 422. The lever 422 is located in the transmission groove 431. Based on the rotation center position of the cleaning blade, the blade shape is determined so that it just fills the cleaning surface when closed, thereby determining the blade rotation angle. Based on the rotation center, the position of the lever 422 and the blade rotation angle, the position and angle of the transmission groove 431 are determined, thereby determining the transmission disk rotation angle. Based on the transmission disk rotation angle, the position of the lever and the mechanical limiting angle of the transmission disk are determined.

[0043] The blade component 421 of this application has a blade-like structure, which is composed of a plastic layer and a silicone layer bonded together. The plastic layer is located near the drive disk 43, and the silicone layer is located near the lens 2. The blade adopts a plastic + silicone structure (for easy weight reduction and to reduce pushing resistance). The upper plastic layer uses PA + glass fiber material, which ensures both hardness and a certain degree of toughness, thereby ensuring the impact resistance of the blade. The lower layer uses a moderately hard silicone material, which ensures cleaning effect without scratching the lens.

[0044] Furthermore, the drive device 5 includes a solenoid valve 51 located on the front side of the module housing 1. The output end of the solenoid valve 51 is connected to the transmission lever 432 via a connecting rod 52, and the input end is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly 3 via a wire 53. Specifically, the circuit board assembly 3 includes PCBA-1 board 31 and PCBA-2 board 32. Power is input to the drive device through the connecting rod 52; the transmission disc drives the cleaning blades to clean the surface of the camera module lens. The drive device is fixed to the camera module housing with screws; it is flexibly connected to the circuit board assembly 3 inside the module via wires; it obtains drive voltage and signals through wires; and it outputs thrust to the cleaning module through the connecting rod. Due to the characteristics of the solenoid valve, it only has two states during operation: on and off, and closed, preventing the transmission disc from remaining in an intermediate state after operation. This application simplifies the design of the control circuit, requiring only the determination of whether the cleaning blades are open or closed.

[0045] In this specific embodiment, two solenoid valves 51 are provided on the front side of the module housing 1, and two transmission levers 432 corresponding to the two solenoid valves 51 are provided at the rear end of the transmission disk 43. The two solenoid valves 51 drive in opposite directions. This design makes driving easier and improves driving stability. The driving device consists of two solenoid valves, which are fixed to the front housing with screws and have a sealing ring pressed at the bottom. The solenoid valves are exposed outside the camera module housing. The power supply wires are connected to the inside of the camera module through the through hole of the front housing and plugged into the PCBA-2. The solenoid valves are fixed to the front housing of the camera module with screws and are not rigidly connected to other rear components. They are flexibly connected to the PCBA-2 through wires to avoid vibration of the driving device (moving parts) affecting the imaging effect of the module. The wires are connected to the PCBA-2 through board-to-wire connectors to power and control the driving device. Compared with traditional module self-cleaning devices, it is smaller in size and easier to control.

[0046] As a further preferred embodiment, the bottom of the solenoid valve 51 is sealed to the module housing 1. Figure 7-10 The solenoid valve itself requires enameled wire for its winding coil to meet waterproof requirements. The solenoid valve is fixed to the front housing of the camera module with screws. A wire is led out from the bottom of the solenoid valve, and the wire outlet terminal is connected to the inside of the module through an opening in the front housing of the camera module. It is then connected to the PCBA module of the camera module through a connector. After the solenoid valve is installed, the non-moving parts of the solenoid valve are sealed with glue to ensure that the inside of the camera module meets the protection requirements.

[0047] Specifically, the module housing 1 includes a front housing 11 and a rear housing 12. The top of the front housing is designed with a through hole, a sealing groove, and a solenoid valve fixing structure for the solenoid valve power supply line to pass through, and for sealing and fixing the solenoid valve. The sensor chip and connector are soldered onto the PCBA circuit board by reflow soldering. The PCBA circuit board is fixed to the front housing by screws, and the two PCBAs are connected by a connector. The PCBA circuit board realizes the power supply and control of the solenoid valve through the connector. The lens is fixed to the front housing by AA glue. The front and rear housings are laser welded to ensure connection and sealing. The coaxial connector and the front end of the power supply line are crimped with a sealing ring and fixed to the rear housing by screws.

[0048] like Figure 11 As shown, the working principle of this application is as follows:

[0049] When a camera module is used outdoors, due to environmental factors or prolonged use, the lens surface may become contaminated with rainwater or dust, affecting the quality of the footage captured or recorded. In this case, the user can issue a cleaning command via the main unit. Upon receiving the signal, the camera module powers the solenoid valve, which outputs power through a connecting rod. This power is then transmitted to the transmission disc via a lever, driving the cleaning blades to perform the cleaning action. Once cleaning is complete, the user ends the cleaning command, and the module stops supplying power to the solenoid valve, thus completing the cleaning process. Compared to traditional camera modules without a cleaning module, some cannot promptly clean dust and rainwater adhering to the lens surface, and others are difficult to clean manually due to their inconvenient installation location, resulting in high maintenance costs. In contrast, integrating a self-cleaning system can reduce cleaning difficulty, save cleaning costs, and make the camera module safer during operation.

[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An integrated camera module self-cleaning system, comprising a module housing (1), a lens (2) arranged on the front side of the module housing (1) and exposed therefrom, characterized in that: It also includes a cleaning module (4) and a driving device (5) located on the front side of the module housing (1). The output end of the driving device (5) is connected to the cleaning module (4) in a driving manner. The cleaning module (4) can be moved to the surface of the lens (2) under the drive of the driving device (5) to wipe it. The cleaning module (4) includes: A bracket (41) is located on the front side of the module housing (1); The cleaning blade (42) is hinged on the bracket (41) and can be rotated to fit the surface of the lens (2) or detach from the surface of the lens (2); The transmission disc (43) is rotatably mounted on the bracket (41) and connected to the drive device (5) and the cleaning blade (42) respectively, and is used to drive the cleaning blade (42) to rotate under the drive of the drive device (5); A pressure cap (44) engages with a bracket (41) to confine the drive disc (43) and cleaning blade (42) to the bracket (41). 2.The integrated camera module self-cleaning system of claim 1, wherein: The middle part between the bracket (41), the drive plate (43) and the pressure cap (44) has a lens channel (40) for accommodating the lens (2), and the cleaning blade (42) can be moved into or out of the lens channel (40). 3.The integrated camera module self-cleaning system of claim 1, wherein: The cleaning blade (42) is composed of multiple blade units (421), and the support (41) is provided with multiple hinge shafts (411) for hinged to the multiple blade units (421) respectively. Multiple blade pieces (421) can be moved around the hinge and along the periphery of the lens (2) surface into the middle of the lens (2) surface under the synchronous drive of the transmission disk (43), so that multiple blade pieces (421) cooperate to cover the entire surface of the lens (2); Multiple blade units (421) can also be moved from the middle of the lens (2) surface to the periphery of the lens (2) around the hinge under the synchronous drive of the transmission disk (43), so that multiple blade units (421) are separated from the entire surface of the lens (2).

4. The integrated camera module self-cleaning system of claim 3, wherein: Each of the multiple blade pieces (421) is provided with a lever (422), and the transmission disc (43) is provided with multiple obliquely arranged transmission grooves (431) for correspondingly fitting the lever (422).

5. The integrated camera module self-cleaning system of claim 3, wherein: The blade unit (421) has a blade-like structure, consisting of a plastic layer and a silicone layer bonded together. The side closer to the drive disc (43) is the plastic layer, and the side closer to the lens (2) is the silicone layer; and / or The number of blades per piece (421) is 4.

6. The integrated camera module self-cleaning system of claim 1, wherein: The bracket (41) is provided with an annular guide groove (412), and a through lever groove (413) is provided in the annular guide groove (412). The rear end of the transmission disc (43) is fitted into the annular guide groove (412) to form a rotating connection. The rear end of the transmission disc (43) is provided with a transmission lever (432) that passes through the lever groove (413) and is connected to the drive device (5) for transmission.

7. The integrated camera module self-cleaning system of claim 1, wherein: It also includes a circuit board assembly (3) located inside the module housing (1), and the input terminal of the drive device (5) is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly (3). 8.The integrated camera module self-cleaning system of claim 7, wherein: The drive unit (5) includes a solenoid valve (51) located on the front side of the module housing (1). The output end of the solenoid valve (51) is connected to the transmission plate (43) via a connecting rod (52), and the input end is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly (3) via a wire (53). 9.The integrated camera module self-cleaning system of claim 8, wherein: The module shell (1) is provided with two electromagnetic valves (51) on the front side, and the transmission disc (43) is provided with two transmission levers (432) corresponding to the two electromagnetic valves (51) at the rear end, and the driving directions of the two electromagnetic valves (51) are opposite.

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