Integrated module self-cleaning system

Abstract

According to the integrated 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 module self-cleaning system. 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 module self-cleaning system, including a module housing, a lens disposed on the front side of the module housing and exposed therefrom, and further comprising:

[0005] The cleaning module is located on the front side of the module housing, around the lens surface;

[0006] The drive unit is located inside the module housing, and its output end extends out of the front side of the module housing and is connected to the cleaning module drive.

[0007] The cleaning module can be moved to the lens surface by the drive unit to wipe it.

[0008] As described above, an integrated module self-cleaning system includes a module front shell and a module rear shell that overlap each other, and a pivot hole is provided on the module front shell on the lens side.

[0009] The drive unit includes a micro motor fixed on the front shell of the module, and the output shaft of the micro motor extends out from the shaft hole and is driven to connect with the cleaning module.

[0010] As described above, in an integrated module self-cleaning system, a sealing ring is pressed between the micro motor and the front housing of the module, surrounding the shaft hole.

[0011] As described above, an integrated module self-cleaning system includes a cleaning module comprising:

[0012] The bracket is located on the front side of the module housing;

[0013] The cleaning blade is hinged to the bracket and can be rotated to fit against or detach from the lens surface.

[0014] A transmission disc, which is rotatably mounted on the bracket and is connected to the cleaning blade and the output shaft respectively, is used to drive the cleaning blade to rotate under the drive of a micro motor;

[0015] The pressure cap, which cooperates with the bracket, to confine the drive disc and cleaning blades to the bracket.

[0016] As described above, the integrated module self-cleaning system has an annular guide groove on the bracket, a through hole in the annular guide groove, a drive disk rear end sleeved in the annular guide groove to form a rotatable connection, and a drive lever on the rear end of the drive disk that passes through the through hole and is connected to the output shaft for transmission.

[0017] As described above, an integrated module self-cleaning system has a gear at the end of the output shaft;

[0018] The transmission lever is arc-shaped and has an arc-shaped rack that meshes with the gear for transmission.

[0019] As described above, an integrated module self-cleaning system has a lens channel in the middle between the bracket, the drive plate, and the pressure cap to accommodate the lens, and the cleaning blade can move into or out of the lens channel.

[0020] As described above, the integrated module self-cleaning system has a cleaning blade composed of multiple blade units, and the support is provided with multiple hinge shafts for hinged to the multiple blade units respectively.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] As described above, in an integrated module self-cleaning system, each of the multiple blades is equipped with a lever, and the transmission disc is provided with multiple obliquely arranged transmission grooves for correspondingly fitting the levers.

[0024] As described above, the integrated 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.

[0025] As described above, the integrated module self-cleaning system has four blades per unit.

[0026] The integrated module self-cleaning system described above also includes a circuit board assembly disposed within the module housing, and a micro motor is electrically and softly connected to the circuit board assembly through conductive components.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0028] This application provides an integrated module self-cleaning system. The cleaning module is installed on the front shell of the camera module body. The cleaning module is driven by a drive device inside the module to remove dirt from the lens surface, ensuring the imaging quality of the camera device. The drive device of this application is integrated inside the camera module body, which is small in size and has concentrated parts. Compared with traditional self-cleaning camera modules, this integrated module self-cleaning system does not require additional space structure for fixation. Only the camera module body needs to be fixed, saving space for the customer's host, reducing the number of customer parts and installation procedures, saving costs. In addition, the drive device is built-in and the camera module body has a built-in power supply interface, eliminating the need for the customer's host to provide an additional power supply interface to power the drive device, improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0029] 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.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated module self-cleaning system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an integrated module self-cleaning system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning module blades in the open state in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the cleaning module blades in the open state in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning module blades in the closed state in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the cleaning module blades in the closed state in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the drive device in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a partially exploded view of an integrated module self-cleaning system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an integrated module self-cleaning system in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0039] like Figure 1-9 As shown, this application provides an integrated module self-cleaning system, including a module housing 1, a lens 2, a circuit board assembly 3, a cleaning module 4, and a driving device 5. The lens 2 is located on the front side of the module housing 1 and protrudes therefrom. The circuit board assembly 3 is located inside the module housing 1. The cleaning module 4 is located on the front side of the module housing 1 and is situated around the surface of the lens 2. The driving device 5 is located inside the module housing 1, and its input end is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly 3. Its output end extends out from the front side of the module housing 1 and is drivenly connected to the cleaning module 4. The cleaning module 4 can move to the surface of the lens 2 under the drive of the driving device 5 to wipe it.

[0040] This application provides an integrated module self-cleaning system. The cleaning module is mounted on the front shell of the camera module body. A drive device inside the module drives the cleaning module to remove dirt from the lens surface, ensuring the imaging quality of the camera device. The drive device is integrated inside the camera module body, resulting in a small size and concentrated components. Compared to traditional self-cleaning camera modules, this integrated module 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 device 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 device, thus improving the user experience.

[0041] 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 through the output terminal to drive the cleaning module to clean. When the cleaning is completed, the user ends the cleaning command, the module stops supplying power to the cleaning module drive device, and the cleaning action ends.

[0042] Furthermore, the module housing 1 includes a front module housing 11 and a rear module housing 12 that overlap each other. A pivot hole 10 is provided on the front module housing 11 on one side of the lens 2 for the motor pivot to pass through. The lens is fixed to the front housing with AA glue. The front and rear housings are laser welded to ensure connection and sealing. A sealing ring is crimped onto the front end of the coaxial connector and power supply line and fixed to the rear housing with screws.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the driving device 5 includes a micro motor 51 fixedly mounted on the front housing 11 of the module. The micro motor 51 is electrically and softly connected to the circuit board assembly 3 via a conductive element 53. The output shaft 50 of the micro motor 51 extends from the shaft hole 10 and is driven and connected to the cleaning module 4. Specifically, the micro motor is a stepper motor or a coreless motor (the front end must meet the IP67 protection rating); the conductive element 53 can be an FPC or a ribbon cable, which is softly connected to the PCBA circuit board assembly inside the module via the FPC or ribbon cable, and the driving voltage and signal are obtained through the FPC or wires.

[0044] Specifically, the circuit board assembly 3 includes PCBA-1 board 31 and PCBA-2 board 32. The micro motor is fixed to the front shell of the module with screws and is not rigidly connected to other rear components. It is softly connected to PCBA-2 via FPC to avoid vibration of the moving parts of the drive device affecting the imaging effect of the module. The FPC is connected to PCBA-2 via ZIF connector to supply power and control the drive device. Compared with traditional module self-cleaning devices, it is smaller in size and easier to control.

[0045] Furthermore, a sealing ring 52 is pressed between the micro motor 51 and the front housing 11 of the module, surrounding the shaft hole 10. The drive device is a micro motor, which is fixed to the front housing with screws, and the sealing ring is pressed at the front end. Only the shaft and gear of the micro motor are exposed outside the camera module housing. Only the front end of the micro motor needs to be protected with IP67, which can meet the protection requirements of the entire module. It is not necessary to protect the entire motor, thus reducing the waterproof requirements of the motor.

[0046] 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 cleaning blade 42 and the output shaft 50 respectively, for driving the cleaning blade 42 to rotate under the drive of the micro motor 51. 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 transmission disk 43 is driven to rotate within the bracket 41 by a driving device, thereby driving the cleaning blade 42 to wipe the lens surface.

[0047] As a further preferred embodiment, the bracket 41 is provided with an annular guide groove 412, and a through hole 413 is provided in the annular guide groove 412. The rear end of the transmission disk 43 is fitted into the annular guide groove 412 to form a rotatable connection. The rear end of the transmission disk 43 is provided with a transmission gear 432 that passes through the through hole 413 and is connected to the output shaft 50 for transmission. Specifically, the end of the output shaft 50 is provided with a gear 54; the transmission gear 432 is arc-shaped and is provided with an arc-shaped rack 433 that meshes with the gear 54 for transmission. The transmission disk is supported by the bracket and rotates in the annular guide groove. The transmission disk is preferably made of aluminum alloy: it is lightweight, high-strength, and widely used. The side end of the transmission gear 432 is made of an arc-shaped rack, and the torque is output to the cleaning module through the gear. A sealing ring is pressed onto the front end of the micro motor, and the shaft extends through the opening in the front housing of the camera module. It is fixed inside the front housing of the camera module with screws via an attachment plate, ensuring that the protection level of the camera module body meets IP67. The micro motor is led out from the side or tail end via an FPC or wire and plugged into the PCBA module of the camera module via a connector. After the micro motor is installed, the gear is installed onto the motor shaft with an interference fit.

[0048] Specifically, the middle part between the bracket 41, the transmission plate 43 and the pressure cover 44 has a lens channel 40 to accommodate the lens 2. The cleaning blade 42 can move 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Specifically, each of the multiple blade units 421 is equipped with an actuating lever 422, and the transmission disk 43 is equipped with multiple obliquely arranged transmission grooves 431 for correspondingly fitting the actuating lever 422. Based on the rotation center position of the cleaning blade, the blade shape is determined so that it completely covers the cleaning surface when closed, thus determining the blade rotation angle; based on the rotation center, the position of the blade actuating shaft, and the blade rotation angle, the position and angle of the transmission disk guide groove are determined, thus determining the transmission disk rotation angle; based on the transmission disk rotation angle and the gear position, the length of the arc-shaped rack and the mechanical limiting angle of the transmission disk are determined.

[0051] In a specific embodiment of this application, the blade component 421 is a blade-type structure, formed by bonding a plastic layer and a silicone layer. The side near the transmission disk 43 is the plastic layer, and the side near the lens 2 is the silicone layer. 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 a certain degree of toughness while taking into account hardness, thereby ensuring the impact resistance of the blade. The lower layer uses materials such as silicone with moderate hardness, which ensures cleaning effect without scratching the lens.

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, the working principle of this application is as follows:

[0053] 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 a micro-motor, which outputs power through gears. This power is then transmitted to a transmission disc via paired arc gears, 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 micro-motor, completing the cleaning process. Compared to traditional camera modules without a cleaning module, some cannot promptly remove 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.

[0054] 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 module self-cleaning system, comprising a module housing (1) and a lens (2) disposed on the front side of the module housing (1) and exposed therefrom, characterized in that: Also includes: The cleaning module (4) is located on the front side of the module housing (1) and on the periphery of the lens (2) surface; The drive unit (5) is located inside the module housing (1), and its output end extends out of the front side of the module housing (1) and is driven to connect with the cleaning module (4). The cleaning module (4) can be moved to the surface of the lens (2) to wipe it under the drive of the drive device (5).

2. The integrated modular self-cleaning system of claim 1, wherein: The module housing (1) includes a module front housing (11) and a module rear housing (12) that cover each other. A pivot hole (10) is provided on the module front housing (11) on the side of the lens (2). The drive unit (5) includes a micro motor (51) fixed on the front shell (11) of the module. The output shaft (50) of the micro motor (51) extends out from the shaft hole (10) and is driven to connect with the cleaning module (4).

3. The integrated modular self-cleaning system of claim 2, wherein: A sealing ring (52) is pressed between the micro motor (51) and the front shell (11) of the module and surrounds the shaft hole (10).

4. The integrated modular self-cleaning system of claim 2, wherein: 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 disk (43) is rotatably mounted on the bracket (41) and is connected to the cleaning blade (42) and the output shaft (50) respectively, and is used to drive the cleaning blade (42) to rotate under the drive of the micro motor (51); A pressure cap (44) engages with a bracket (41) to confine the drive disc (43) and cleaning blade (42) to the bracket (41).

5. The integrated module self-cleaning system of claim 4, wherein: The bracket (41) is provided with an annular guide groove (412), and a through hole (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 through hole (413) and is connected to the output shaft (50) for transmission.

6. The integrated module self-cleaning system of claim 5, wherein: The end of the output shaft (50) is provided with a gear (54); The transmission lever (432) is arc-shaped and has an arc-shaped rack (433) that meshes with the gear (54) for transmission.

7. The integrated module self-cleaning system of claim 4, 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).

8. The integrated modular self-cleaning system of claim 4, 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).

9. The integrated module self-cleaning system of claim 8, 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).

10. The integrated modular self-cleaning system of claim 2, wherein: It also includes a circuit board assembly (3) located inside the module housing (1), and a micro motor (51) is electrically and softly connected to the circuit board assembly (3) through a conductive element (53).

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