A camera module positioning structure, a camera module and a movable platform

Abstract

The utility model discloses a camera module positioning structure, camera module and movable platform, its structure includes the shell body of camera module, including front shell and back shell, and the front shell is integrally formed, including the connecting portion for with back shell combination and the lens part that forms by the connecting portion outward extension, and the connecting portion is combined with back shell and forms the trunk part, and the lens part is used for placing the lens of camera module, limit structure sets up on the component for installing camera module, is used for the three -axis direction activity limit of camera module, and limit structure includes lens positioning part, including the first limit structure for the limit of lens part. The utility model will be used for placing the lens part and the part of trunk integrally formed and forms the front shell to can ensure that the lens and the trunk between will not be affected by installation and shift. The front shell of integrally formed whole size stable precision is high, need not worry that the lens part is extruded by lens hole etc. during installation, can better position limit lens part position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of camera technology, and in particular to a camera module positioning structure, a camera module, and a movable platform. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid popularization of intelligent driving technology, cameras, as core perception devices, directly impact system reliability and user experience through their installation accuracy and ease of operation. Cameras need to accurately capture information about pedestrians, vehicles, traffic signs, and other surroundings. Misalignment in installation position or angle can lead to image distortion or increased blind spots, affecting the decision-making of the autonomous driving system. Insufficient camera installation accuracy can disrupt spatial alignment between multiple sensors, causing fusion algorithms to fail and reducing system redundancy and safety.

[0003] The conventional method of installing a camera involves inserting the camera lens into the lens hole of a component on the vehicle used for camera mounting, and then connecting the camera body to the mounting bracket using screws or other means. This fixes the camera body relative to the mounting bracket, and finally, the mounting bracket is installed onto the vehicle component using screws or other means, thus securing the camera by combining the mounting bracket with the vehicle component.

[0004] In the aforementioned installation methods, the installation precision between the camera and the vehicle body is relatively poor, and this precision mainly depends on the positioning accuracy of the mounting bracket. Furthermore, the overall assembly is quite complex. Additionally, to avoid precision issues during the manufacturing of the mounting bracket itself, the dimensions between the lens hole and the lens portion are not perfectly aligned; a certain gap is left. If this gap is too small, the positioning of the camera's lens portion and body portion will be limited by both the lens hole and the mounting bracket during installation. This can easily lead to the lens portion being squeezed and shifting after installation, thus affecting the camera's sensing accuracy. Therefore, the lens hole's limitation on the lens portion is almost nonexistent, primarily serving an aesthetic purpose. The overall installation precision of the camera is determined by the positioning accuracy of the mounting bracket, making it susceptible to shifting during installation due to the bracket's influence. Furthermore, when using conventional screws and mounting brackets to fix the camera to the vehicle, the impact stress and strain during the camera's assembly and disassembly can also affect sensing accuracy. For scenarios using cameras as sensing devices, these situations can range from minor errors in algorithm calculations to complete algorithm failure, thereby reducing the redundancy and security of the overall system. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a camera module positioning structure, a camera module, and a movable platform to solve the problem of poor installation accuracy between the camera and the vehicle body in the prior art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a camera module positioning structure is provided, comprising:

[0007] The outer shell of the camera module includes a front shell and a rear shell. The front shell is integrally formed and includes a connecting part for combining with the rear shell and a lens part extending outward from the connecting part. The connecting part and the rear shell combine to form a body. The lens part is used to house the lens of the camera module.

[0008] A limiting structure is provided on the component used to install the camera module to limit the movement of the camera module in three axes;

[0009] The limiting structure includes a lens positioning part, including a first limiting structure for limiting the lens part.

[0010] This invention's camera module positioning structure first optimizes its outer shell by integrally molding the lens section and body section to form the front shell. This ensures that the lens and body of the camera module are not affected by the mounting structure or method, preventing misalignment. The integrally molded front shell can be machined, resulting in stable and high-precision dimensions. This eliminates concerns about the lens section being squeezed by the lens hole or other limiting structures used to position the lens during installation, thus better limiting the lens section's position and improving its installation accuracy. Furthermore, the limiting structure further restricts the movement of the entire camera module in three axes, positioning and fixing the entire camera module on the mounting component. Combined with the first limiting structure, this forms a two-stage positioning and fixing of the camera module, further ensuring the overall installation stability and accuracy of the camera module.

[0011] In some embodiments, the front shell and the rear shell are fixed together by welding.

[0012] Therefore, this design improves the connection stability between the front and rear shells, thereby enhancing the overall structural stability of the camera module and preventing relative displacement due to structural compression.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first limiting structure is at least used to limit the downward movement of the lens portion in the vertical direction, and to limit the movement of the lens portion in a positive and / or negative direction in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to its axis.

[0014] Therefore, by setting it up in this way, the lens part can be limited. Since the lens part is subject to gravity, it is necessary to limit the downward movement of the lens part in the vertical direction, and at the same time limit the lens part in the first horizontal direction, so as to locate the orientation of the lens part, thereby improving the installation accuracy of the overall camera module.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first limiting structure is a U-shaped slot.

[0016] Therefore, by setting it up in this way, the U-shaped slot can limit the vertical downward direction of the lens and the positive and negative directions of the first horizontal direction, thereby achieving the positioning of the lens's orientation.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least two U-shaped slots are arranged side by side.

[0018] Therefore, this setup allows for two-stage positioning of the lens section, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the lens section positioning.

[0019] In some implementations, the first limiting structure is a lens hole.

[0020] Therefore, with this setting, the lens hole can be used to completely limit the vertical and first horizontal directions of the lens part. Due to the integrated design of the front shell of this utility model, the gap between the lens hole and the lens part can be made very small, thereby achieving precise limiting of the lens part, rather than the lens hole being used only as decoration as in the prior art. At the same time, this design is more aesthetically pleasing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the limiting structure further includes a torso positioning part, including a second limiting structure for limiting the torso.

[0022] Therefore, by setting it up in this way, the second limiting structure can be used to limit the torso, and thus, in combination with the first limiting structure, the lens part and the torso can be limited and positioned respectively, thereby achieving the positioning and fixing of the entire camera module.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second limiting structure is used to restrict the movement of the torso in the vertical direction, in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the lens axis direction, and in the positive and negative directions along the lens axis direction.

[0024] Therefore, by setting it up in this way, the movement of the torso in the three axes can be limited simultaneously by the second limiting structure, and combined with the first limiting structure, the positioning and fixing of the entire camera module can be achieved.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second limiting structure includes a first structure that abuts against the torso to restrict the torso from moving vertically in the positive and negative directions.

[0026] Therefore, by setting it up in this way, the movement of the torso in the vertical direction can be limited by the first structure.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first structure includes a first rib for restricting the torso from moving in the positive direction in the vertical direction, and a second rib for restricting the torso from moving in the negative direction in the vertical direction, wherein the positions of the first rib and the second rib correspond to each other.

[0028] Therefore, by setting it up in this way, the first and second ribs located on both sides of the torso in the vertical direction can be used to limit the movement of the torso in the vertical direction.

[0029] In some embodiments, the second limiting structure includes a second structure for restricting the movement of the torso in a first horizontal direction and in the positive and negative directions along the lens axis.

[0030] Therefore, by setting it up in this way, the movement of the torso in the first horizontal direction and in the positive and negative directions along the lens axis can be limited by the second structure at the same time. This reduces the complexity of the overall structure, allows for connection with components without additional structures, and avoids the impact of the machining accuracy of additional structures on the installation accuracy during assembly.

[0031] In some embodiments, the second structure includes a first fastener disposed on a positive side and a negative side of the first horizontal direction of the torso, and a second fastener disposed on the torso corresponding to the structure of the first fastener.

[0032] Therefore, with this configuration, the component can be fastened to the torso using the first and second fasteners. Since the first fastener is located on both the positive and negative sides of the torso in the first horizontal direction, the combination of the first and second fasteners can simultaneously limit the movement of the torso in the first horizontal direction and the movement of the lens axis.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first fastener includes an extension plate extending from the component, with a fastening block provided at one end of the extension plate away from the component.

[0034] Therefore, this design allows for better engagement between the first and second fasteners. Furthermore, since the extension plate has a certain degree of elastic deformation, if the position of the torso shifts during installation, the extension plate can be used to restore and adjust the position of the torso. This allows the overall camera module installation to have a certain degree of fault tolerance and provides cushioning against vibrations caused by driving when installed on a vehicle.

[0035] In some embodiments, the extension plate is provided with a reinforcing structure to enhance its structural strength.

[0036] Therefore, this design reduces the likelihood of the extension plate breaking during use.

[0037] In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure includes a connecting plate disposed between two extension plates, and / or reinforcing ribs disposed on the extension plates.

[0038] Therefore, by setting it up in this way, the relative strength between the two extension plates can be increased by connecting them, and the structural strength of each individual extension plate can be strengthened by setting reinforcing ribs on the extension plates.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second fastener is configured to extend outward from the torso or to be disposed on an outer component fitted onto the torso, and the second fastener is provided with a connection structure for connecting to the component.

[0040] Therefore, by using this configuration, the connection structure can be used to further strengthen the connection stability between the torso and the components, thereby improving the installation accuracy of the overall camera module.

[0041] In some embodiments, the connection structure includes a mounting hole on the second snap fastener and a screw hole on the component corresponding to the position of the mounting hole.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second structure further includes an elastic structure disposed between the connecting portion and the component.

[0043] Thus, with this configuration, the torso can be pushed away from the component by the elastic structure, so as to cooperate with the buckling structure formed by the first buckle and the second buckle, thereby further limiting the movement of the torso in the axial direction of the lens part. At the same time, the elasticity of the elastic structure also allows the installation of the overall camera module to have a certain degree of fault tolerance, and when installed on a vehicle, it can provide a buffer against the vibrations caused by driving.

[0044] In some embodiments, the elastic structure is configured as an elastic block, the elastic block including a first connecting portion for connecting with a component and a second connecting portion for contacting the connecting portion.

[0045] Therefore, by using this configuration, the elastic block can cooperate with the latching structure formed by the first latching member and the second latching member to limit the movement of the torso in the axial direction of the lens part.

[0046] In some embodiments, the elastic block is configured as an elastic pad, and the elastic pad has an opening for the lens portion to pass through.

[0047] The first connecting portion is a first contact surface on the elastic pad for contacting the component, and the second connecting portion is a second contact surface on the elastic pad for contacting the connecting portion.

[0048] The first contact surface is adapted to the shape of the portion of the component that is used to contact the elastic pad, and the second contact surface is adapted to the shape of the connecting portion.

[0049] Therefore, with this configuration, the elastic pad can contact the component through the first contact surface and the connecting part through the second contact surface during installation, thereby providing auxiliary limiting for the connection between the connecting part and the component and further improving the installation accuracy of the overall camera module.

[0050] In some embodiments, the elastic block is configured as an elastic sheet formed by extending a member.

[0051] Therefore, by using this configuration, the elastic sheet can be used in conjunction with the snap-fit ​​structure formed by the first snap-fit ​​component and the second snap-fit ​​component to limit the movement of the torso in the axial direction of the lens section.

[0052] In some embodiments, the component has a connecting surface for bonding and fixing to the windshield with adhesive.

[0053] Therefore, this setup allows for direct bonding of components to the windshield using adhesive, avoiding the need for complex structural connections and thus preventing installation errors caused by inaccurate structural machining.

[0054] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a camera module is provided, which is connected to a component for mounting the camera module via the camera module positioning structure described in the first aspect.

[0055] The camera module of this utility model adopts the camera module positioning structure of the first aspect mentioned above for installation and connection with the component, thereby improving the installation accuracy of the camera module on the target.

[0056] According to a third aspect of this utility model, a movable platform is provided, which is provided with the camera module described in the second aspect above, or the camera module is installed by the camera module positioning structure described in the first aspect above.

[0057] The mobile platform of this utility model uses the camera module described in the second aspect above or the camera module positioning structure described in the first aspect above to install the camera module, thereby effectively improving the installation accuracy of the camera module installed on the mobile platform. This effectively alleviates the situation where the algorithm calculation error is caused by the installation accuracy error of the camera module, and also effectively alleviates the situation where the algorithm completely fails due to the installation accuracy of the camera module, thereby reducing the redundancy and security of the overall system. Attached Figure Description

[0058] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly connection structure of the camera module positioning structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the camera module positioning structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the camera module positioning structure according to one embodiment of the present invention from another angle.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the camera module positioning structure in the assembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the camera module positioning structure in the assembled state according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the dimensions of the first fastener of the camera module positioning structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the positioning structure of a camera module with an elastic structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 8 for Figure 7A schematic diagram showing the dimensions of the elastic structure of the camera module positioning structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of a camera module positioning structure with an elastic structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the first limiting structure of the camera module positioning structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the installation state of the camera module positioning structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the camera module positioning structure in another angle of the implementation method;

[0071] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Outer shell; 11. Front shell; 12. Rear shell; 111. Lens part; 112. Connecting part; 121. Torso; 2. Component; 21. Limiting structure; 211. Lens positioning part; 212. Torso positioning part; 22. Connecting surface; 23. Base; 31. First limiting structure; 311. U-shaped groove; 312. Lens hole; 32. Second limiting structure; 321. First structure; 3211. First rib; 3212. Second rib; 322. 3221. Second structure; 3222. First fastener; 3222. Second fastener; 3223. Extension plate; 3224. Mounting hole; 323. Mounting frame; 3231. Slot; 324. Reinforcing structure; 3241. Connecting plate; 3242. Reinforcing rib; 33. Mounting shell; 4. Elastic block; 41. Elastic pad; 411. First contact surface; 412. Second contact surface; 413. Opening; 42. Elastic sheet; 43. First connecting part; 44. Second connecting part. Detailed Implementation

[0072] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0073] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0074] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "middle," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Features defined with "first" and "second" are used to distinguish feature names and do not have special meanings. Furthermore, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0075] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0076] It should also be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising" or "including" include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element. The terminology used herein is generally that commonly used by those skilled in the art; in case of any discrepancy with commonly used terminology, the terminology used herein shall prevail.

[0077] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0078] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The overall structure of the camera module positioning structure according to one embodiment of this utility model is schematically shown, with reference to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the camera module positioning structure of this utility model includes a camera module housing 1 and a limiting structure 21. The housing 1 includes a front shell 11 and a rear shell 12. The front shell 11 is integrally formed and includes a connecting part 112 for assembly with the rear shell 12 and a lens part 111 extending outward from the connecting part 112. The rear shell 12 can be an integrally formed back cover structure or a rear cover structure formed by multiple parts. For example, the rear shell 12 can be formed by combining two front and rear parts or two left and right parts, or by combining more parts. This utility model does not limit this. The connecting part 112 and the rear shell 12 combine to form a body 121, which can be used to place the circuit board, circuit components, and other structures of the camera module. The lens part 111 can be used to place the lens of the camera module. The lens portion 111 of the housing 1 is designed to be integrated with at least part of the body portion 121, thereby ensuring that the lens portion 111 and the body portion 121 will not shift due to different external forces, thus affecting the overall installation accuracy of the camera module. The limiting structure 21 is provided on the component 2 used to install the camera module. These components 2 can be structures on the side of a car body, such as the windshield, trunk lid, or rearview mirror, or structures where the camera module will be installed, such as surveillance cameras or cameras. The limiting structure 21 can be formed on the component 2 or connected to it. It is used to limit the movement of the entire camera module in three-axis directions. The three-axis directions refer to the directions of three mutually perpendicular coordinate axes in three-dimensional space (such as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis). By limiting the movement in the three-axis directions, the complete positioning and fixation of the entire camera module can be ensured. The limiting structure 21 includes a lens positioning portion 211, which can be formed directly on the component 2 or connected to it. The lens positioning part 211 includes a first limiting structure 31 for limiting the lens part 111 on the outer housing 1. Specifically, in Figures 1 to 10 In the illustrated embodiment, component 2 is a structure disposed on the inner side of the windshield, and its overall shape is similar to a wedge. It has a connecting surface 22 for bonding and fixing to the windshield with adhesive. The limiting structures 21 are all directly formed on component 2 and disposed below the connecting surface 22. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the embodiment shown, component 2 is a structure installed on the side rearview mirror, which is the rearview mirror housing. The lens positioning part 211 in the limiting structure 21 is directly formed on component 2, while the other limiting structures 21 are external parts connected to component 2.

[0080] For the outer shell 1, the front shell 11 can be machined by turning, thereby achieving higher overall machining accuracy and connection stability. Similarly, the rear shell 12 can also be machined by turning. The rear shell 12 and the front shell 11 can be connected by welding, such as laser welding or friction stir welding. By connecting and fixing the front shell 11 and the rear shell 12 in this way, the resulting overall outer shell 1 is less prone to separation, and the connection between the front shell 11 and the rear shell 12 is less likely to detach or shift, resulting in good overall strength and rigidity. For example, refer to... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the outer casing 1 of this utility model, which includes a front casing 11 and a rear casing 12 having a connecting portion 112 and a lens portion 111. The connecting portion 112 and the rear casing 12 are combined to form a body 121, which is generally cuboid in shape and has four flat sides. A stepped groove is provided at the connection between the front casing 11 and the rear casing 12 to improve the installation accuracy between the front casing 11 and the rear casing 12.

[0081] The first limiting structure 31 is mainly used to position and fix the lens part 111. It can cooperate with other structures in the limiting structure 21 used to limit the camera module, so that when positioning and fixing the camera module, it can be positioned and fixed at at least two positions along the axis of the lens part 111, thereby improving the accuracy of positioning and fixing the overall camera module. Specifically, since the camera module itself is subject to gravity, the first limiting structure 31 can be configured to at least limit the downward movement of the lens part 111 in the vertical direction, and to limit the movement of the lens part 111 in a positive and / or negative direction in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to its axis. By limiting the downward movement of the lens part 111 in the vertical direction, it can be combined with the gravity acting on the lens part 111 itself to achieve the limitation of the lens part 111 in the positive and / or negative directions in the vertical direction. It is understandable that, in the vertical direction, in addition to limiting the downward movement of the lens portion 111, the upward movement of the lens portion 111 can also be limited, thereby achieving complete limitation of the movement of the lens portion 111 in the vertical square and negative directions. Furthermore, by limiting the movement of the lens portion 111 in the positive and / or negative directions in the first horizontal direction perpendicular to its axis, limitation of the lens portion 111 in the first horizontal direction can be achieved, thereby enabling the first limiting structure 31 to limit the movement of the lens portion 111 in at least two directions. For example, referring to… Figure 2 As shown, in Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the first limiting structure 31 is configured as a U-shaped groove 311 formed on the member 2 to limit the downward movement of the lens portion 111 in the vertical direction (Y direction in the figure) and its positive and negative movements in the first horizontal direction (X direction in the figure). The bottom of the U-shaped groove 311 is arc-shaped, and its curvature matches the outer diameter of the lens portion 111, so that when the lens portion 111 is placed in the U-shaped groove 311, its downward movement in the vertical direction and its positive and negative movements in the first horizontal direction can be limited simultaneously. To enhance the limiting function of the U-shaped groove 311 on the lens portion 111, at least two U-shaped grooves 311 can be arranged side by side. (Refer to...) Figure 2 As shown, two U-shaped slots 311 are arranged side by side in the direction indicated by the Z-axis. In some possible embodiments, the U-shaped slot 311 located near the connecting portion 112 may also be configured to abut against the connecting portion 112. In this case, the U-shaped slot 311 near the connecting portion 112 can not only limit the lens portion 111 in the first horizontal direction, but also limit the overall camera module in the positive direction of the axial direction of the lens portion 111 (i.e., Figure 2 Limit the movement in the positive Z direction.

[0082] Additionally, refer to Figure 10 As shown, as some possible implementations, the first limiting structure 31 can also be configured as a lens hole 312 structure formed on the component 2, so as to simultaneously limit the movement of the lens part 111 in both the positive and negative directions in the vertical and first horizontal directions. It is understood that, since the lens part 111 is integrated with at least a portion of the body 121 in this invention, the first limiting structure 31 can directly limit the lens part 111 by abutting against it, thereby fixing the position of the lens part 111. Compared with the lens hole 312 provided in the prior art, the lens hole 312 designed in the prior art requires a certain gap between itself and the lens part 111 to avoid contact with the lens part 111, mainly serving an aesthetic purpose. However, when the first limiting structure 31 is set as a lens hole 312 in this invention, the assembly error between the lens hole 312 and the lens part 111 can be kept very small, so the lens hole 312 can directly fix the lens part 111. Meanwhile, because the assembly error between the lens hole 312 and the lens part 111 is smaller, a very small gap can be achieved between the lens hole 312 and the lens part 111, thereby improving its appearance. For the first limiting structure, in addition to the aforementioned U-shaped slot 311 and lens hole 312, other graphic structures can be used, such as square or C-shaped structures. It is only necessary to add a rib structure corresponding to the outer contour of the lens part 111 on the inner side of this structure for limiting. This utility model does not impose any limitations on this.

[0083] The limiting structure 21 also includes a torso positioning part 212, which can be formed directly on the component 2 or connected to the component 2. Figure 3 The embodiment of the torso positioning part 212 formed directly on component 2 is illustrated schematically. The torso positioning part 212 includes a second limiting structure 32 for limiting the torso 121. The second limiting structure 32 is used to restrict the movement of the torso 121 in the positive and negative directions in the vertical direction, the first horizontal direction, and the axis of the lens part 111. That is, the second limiting structure 32 is used to simultaneously limit the movement of the torso 121 in three axes to achieve positioning and fixing of the entire camera module. Through the cooperation between the first limiting structure 31 and the second limiting structure 32, the limiting structure 21 provides two parts for limiting the movement of the entire camera module in both the vertical direction and the first horizontal direction, thereby improving the installation accuracy of the entire camera module and reducing the probability of lens orientation shift. It is understandable that the second limiting structure 32 can be a structure installed on the component 2, or it can be a structure other than the component 2 used to cover and fit onto the torso 121 to limit the movement of the torso 121 by connecting with the component 2.

[0084] Specifically, the second limiting structure 32 includes a first structure 321, which is used to restrict the movement of the torso 121 in the vertical direction along the positive and negative directions by abutting against it. For example, referring to... Figure 3 As shown, the first structure 321 includes a first rib 3211 for restricting the vertical movement of the torso 121 in the positive direction, and a second rib 3212 for restricting the vertical movement of the torso 121 in the negative direction. At least two of each of the first and second ribs 3211 and 3212 are provided, and each rib 3211 and 3212 has an abutment surface for abutting against the torso 121. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the first rib 3211 is disposed below the connecting surface 22 of the component 2 and is directly connected to the connecting surface 22, while the second rib 3212 is disposed on the base 23 extending along the axial direction of the lens portion 111 on the component 2. When the torso 121 is installed into the first structure 321, the torso 121 is embedded between the connecting surface 22 and the base 23 of the component 2. Two of each of the first rib 3211 and the second rib 3212 are provided, and the contact surfaces are both set as planes. Thus, the first rib 3211 and the second rib 3212 achieve surface contact with the upper and lower sides of the torso 121, thereby better restricting the movement of the torso 121 in the vertical direction.

[0085] The second limiting structure 32 further includes a second structure 322, which is used to simultaneously limit the movement of the torso 121 in the first horizontal direction and in the positive and negative directions along the axis of the lens portion 111. For example, referring to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second structure 322 includes a first fastener 3221 disposed on one positive and one negative side of the torso 121 in the first horizontal direction, and a second fastener 3222 disposed on the torso 121 corresponding to the structure of the first fastener 3221. In this embodiment, the first fastener 3221 is a structure disposed on the member 2, and the second fastener 3222 is a structure disposed on the torso 121. Specifically, the first fastener 3221 includes an extension plate 3223 extending from the member 2, and a fastening block is disposed at the end of the extension plate 3223 away from the member 2. Since the extension plate 3223 itself has a certain elastic deformation performance, the installation position of the torso 121 in the first horizontal direction can be restored and adjusted by the elastic plate, so that the installation of the overall camera module can have a certain degree of fault tolerance. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, the buckle protrudes towards the torso 121 and has a chamfer at the end away from the component 2. When the torso 121 is installed on the component 2, the extension plate 3223 undergoes elastic deformation and is pushed outward. After the torso 121 is installed on the component 2, the extension plate 3223 springs back to engage the buckle with the second fastener 3222, thus realizing the installation of the torso 121.

[0086] Specifically, regarding the structure of the first fastener 3221, in order to ensure the normal operation of the first fastener 3221, the relevant dimensions on the fastener were designed. (Refer to...) Figure 6As shown, these dimensions include the length Ha of the extension plate 3223, the thickness Ta of the extension plate 3223, the length Hb of the fastener block, the width Wa1 of the fastener block, the length Hc of the chamfered portion of the fastener block, the chamfer angle α of the fastener block, and the protrusion height Wa2 of the fastener block. The width Wa1 of the fastener block is set to 5-10mm. A width that is too small will result in weak fastening strength and an incomplete fastening; a width that is too large will result in excessive fastening strength, potentially causing the first fastener 3221 to break. The length Ha of the extension plate 3223 is set to 15-25mm. A length that is too small is prone to breakage and deformation, resulting in insufficient elasticity for the first fastener 3221, making it prone to breakage during assembly; a length that is too large can lead to shrinkage defects and weak springback strength, resulting in a loose connection and failure. The length Hb of the fastener block is set to 0.5-1.5mm. The length Hc of the chamfered portion of the fastener block is set to 2-5mm. The thickness Ta of the extension plate 3223 is set to 1.5-2.5mm. If the thickness is too thin, it is prone to breakage and deformation, and the weak springback strength will lead to poor fastening and connection failure. If the thickness is too thick, it is prone to shrinkage defects or insufficient elasticity, and the first fastener 3221 is prone to breakage when forcibly assembled. The protrusion height Wa2 of the fastener block is set to 1-3mm. If the size is too small, the engagement depth will be limited, and the entire camera module will be at risk of detachment. If the size is too large, the extension plate 3223 will be at risk of breakage during assembly. The chamfer angle α of the fastener block is set to 30° to 45°, specifically 45°. Furthermore, when the first fastener 3221 and the second fastener 3222 are engaged, the engagement depth Wb of the fastener block can be set to the size of Wa2 minus 0.3-0.8mm, specifically 0.8-2mm, preferably 1mm, 1.2mm, or 1.5mm. Meanwhile, in order to improve the structural strength of the extension plate 3223, a fillet R can be provided at the connection root position between the extension plate 3223 and the component 2, so as to reduce stress concentration and alleviate the possibility of breakage of the extension plate 3223. The fillet R can be set to 0.5-1mm.

[0087] To further enhance the structural strength of the extension plate 3223, in some possible embodiments, a reinforcing structure 324 may be provided on the extension plate 3223 to strengthen its structural strength. Specifically, the reinforcing structure 324 may be a connecting plate 3241 between two extension plates 3223, and / or a reinforcing rib 3242 on the extension plate 3223. For example, see... Figure 3 As shown, in Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, a connecting plate 3241 is formed between the two extension plates 3223. The connecting plate 3241 is disposed below the two extension plates 3223, and further forms a base support 23 for mounting the second protruding rib 3212. In this embodiment, a portion of the upper side of the extension plate 3223 is directly connected to the bottom of the connecting surface 22, and a portion of the lower side of the extension plate 3223 extends downward and bends towards the other extension plate 3223, so that the lower sides of the two extension plates 3223 are connected to form the base support 23. (Refer to...) Figure 5 As shown, in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the roots of the two extension plates 3223 are directly connected to the member 2, and reinforcing ribs 3242 are formed on the side of the extension plates 3223. It is understood that the two reinforcing structures 324 described above can be provided simultaneously, and there is no structural conflict between the two reinforcing structures 324.

[0088] Reference Figure 5 As shown, in Figure 5 A second limiting structure 32, according to another embodiment, is shown. In this second limiting structure 32, a mounting frame 323 matching the size of the torso 121 is formed on the component 2. Because the size of the mounting frame 323 matches the torso 121, the movement of the torso 121 in the positive and negative directions in the vertical direction, as well as in the positive and negative directions in the first horizontal direction, is limited after the torso 121 is inserted into the mounting frame 323. The inner side of the mounting frame 323 may also be provided with protruding ribs to limit the movement of the torso 121. A first fastener 3221 is formed on the component 2 to engage with a second fastener 3222 on the torso 121. The second fastener 3222 can be configured as a structure extending from the torso 121. The mounting frame 323 can have a groove 3231 that matches the shape of the second fastener 3222. The groove 3231, in conjunction with the second fastener 3222, further limits the torso 121, improving installation accuracy. Alternatively, in addition to the second fastener 3222, the torso 121 can also have a protruding structure that engages with the groove 3231 on the mounting frame 323 to further improve installation accuracy; however, this will not be elaborated upon further here.

[0089] For the second fastener 3222 installed on the torso 121, it only needs to be able to engage with the first fastener 3221. For details, refer to... Figure 4 As shown, the second fastener 3222 can be configured as a groove 3231 recessed in the torso 121; see reference Figure 5As shown, the second latching member 3222 can be configured as a protrusion extending from the body 121; the second latching member 3222 can also be configured as a rear cover that fits onto the body 121, so as to limit the body 121 in the axial direction of the lens portion 111 by means of the rear cover and the member 2. In addition, referring to Figure 5 As shown, in an embodiment where the second fastener 3222 is a protrusion extending from the torso 121, the second fastener 3222 formed by the protrusion may also be provided with a connecting structure for connecting with the component 2. Specifically, this connecting structure may be provided with a mounting hole 3224 on the protrusion and a screw hole on the component 2 corresponding to the position of the mounting hole 3224, so that the second fastener 3222 can be connected and fixed to the component 2 by bolts, thereby further limiting the torso 121.

[0090] In some possible implementations, the second structure 322 may further include an elastic structure disposed between the connecting portion 112 and the component 2. The elastic structure provides support to the torso 121, cooperating with the snap-fit ​​structure composed of the first snap-fit ​​member 3221 and the second snap-fit ​​member 3222 to position and fix the torso 121. Because the elastic structure itself possesses a certain degree of elasticity, this positioning and fixing of the torso 121 provides a certain impact resistance between the torso 121 and the component 2, mitigating displacement between them after an impact. Specifically, the elastic structure may be configured as an elastic block 4, which includes a first connecting portion 43 for connecting to the component 2 and a second connecting portion 44 for contacting the connecting portion 112. It is understood that, in addition to being provided in the aforementioned limiting structure directly formed on the component 2, the elastic structure may also be provided in the limiting structure 21 (such as...) for connecting external parts disposed on the component 2. Figure 11 The structure shown is positioned between the torso 121 and the component 2 to further improve the positioning performance of the torso 121 and enable the torso 121 and the component 2 to have a certain impact resistance, thus mitigating displacement caused by impact.

[0091] For example, refer to Figure 7 As shown, in Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic block 4 is configured as an elastic pad 41, with an opening 413 for the lens portion 111 to pass through, allowing the elastic pad 41 to cover the connecting portion 112 of the front housing 11. The first connecting portion 43 on the elastic pad 41 is its first contact surface 411 for contacting the component 2, and the second connecting portion 44 is its second contact surface 412 for contacting the connecting portion 112. The shape of the first contact surface 411 is adapted to the shape of the portion of the component 2 that contacts the elastic pad 41, and the shape of the second contact surface 412 is adapted to the shape of the connecting portion 112. This design allows the connecting portion 112 to contact the second contact surface 412 and the component 2 to contact the first contact surface 411 during installation of the body 121, thereby providing auxiliary limiting for the connection between the connecting portion 112 and the component 2, further improving the installation accuracy of the camera module. Figure 8 It schematically shows that in Figure 7 The embodiment shown illustrates the connection position between the connecting part 112, the elastic pad 41, and the component 2. This connection has the following dimensions: a safety distance Gap1, an assembly gap Gap2, a pad thickness T1, and a pad compression thickness T2. The safety distance Gap1 is set to be no less than 0.5 mm, the assembly gap Gap2 is set to be no less than 0.1 mm, the pad thickness T1 is set to 2-2.5 mm, preferably 2 mm, and the pad compression thickness T2 is set to 20-30% * T1, corresponding to T1, preferably 2.0 * 0.2 = 0.4 mm. Furthermore, the elastic pad 41 has a Shore hardness of 40 ± 5 A, and its color is preferably an easily identifiable color such as green or blue. (Refer to...) Figure 9 As shown, in Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic block 4 is configured as an elastic sheet 42 extending from the component 2. At least one elastic sheet 42 may be provided above and below the lens portion 111 to cooperate with the snap-fit ​​structure and position and fix the torso 121. In other embodiments, the elastic block 4 may also be configured as elastic pads at the four corners of the connecting portion 112 or on both sides of the lens portion 111 on the connecting portion 112, or it may be configured as a soft rubber elastomer provided at corresponding positions on the component 2 by assembly, gluing, or other means, to improve the positioning and fixing performance of the torso 121 in the axial direction of the lens portion and to provide a cushioning effect against impacts.

[0092] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, Figure 11 and Figure 12The diagram schematically illustrates an embodiment in which at least part of the limiting structure 21 is connected to the member 2. In this embodiment, the lens positioning part 211 is a lens hole 312 formed on the member 2, and the torso positioning part 212 is formed as a mounting shell 33 for mounting and positioning the torso 121. This mounting shell 33 is the second limiting structure 32. Structures on the mounting shell 33 for abutting against the torso 121 to limit the movement of the torso 121 (such as the first structure 321 formed by ribs, elastic structures, etc.) are all provided on its inner side (not shown in the figure). The mounting shell 33 is connected and fixed to the member 2 by screws to achieve three-axis movement limitation of the torso 121.

[0093] The camera module positioning structure of this invention first optimizes its outer shell by integrally molding the lens section 111 (for holding the lens) and the body section 121 to form the front shell 11. This ensures that the lens and body of the camera module are not affected by the installation structure and method, preventing misalignment. The integrally molded front shell 11 can be machined, resulting in stable and high-precision overall dimensions. This eliminates concerns about the lens section 111 being squeezed by the first limiting structure 31 (such as the lens hole 312) during installation, thus better limiting the position of the lens section 111 and improving its installation accuracy. Furthermore, the limiting structure 21 further restricts the movement of the entire camera module in three axes, positioning and fixing the entire camera module on the component 2 used for mounting the camera module. Combined with the first limiting structure 31, this forms a two-stage positioning and fixing of the camera module, further ensuring the installation stability and accuracy of the entire camera module.

[0094] This utility model also provides a camera module, which is connected to the component 2 on which the camera module is mounted via the camera module positioning structure described in any of the above embodiments. Specifically, the lens, circuit board, and circuit components of the camera module are all housed in the outer shell 1 of the camera module positioning structure. Since the lens portion 111 and the connecting portion 112 are integrally formed into the front shell 11 in the camera module positioning structure, it can be ensured that the lens portion 111 and the body portion 121 of the camera module are not affected by the mounting structure and mounting method, thus preventing misalignment between the lens portion 111 and the body portion 121. When the camera module is installed, there is no need to worry about the lens portion 111 being squeezed by the first limiting structure 31, such as the lens hole 312, which is used to limit the position of the lens portion 111, thereby improving the installation accuracy of the lens portion 111. Meanwhile, the rear shell 12 and the front shell 11 can be connected by welding, which can ensure the strength and rigidity of the overall camera module. Even if an external mounting bracket and component 2 are used to fix the overall camera module, it can still have high installation accuracy.

[0095] This utility model also provides a mobile platform, wherein the aforementioned camera module is provided on the mobile platform, or the camera module is installed through the camera module positioning structure of any of the above embodiments, thereby effectively improving the installation accuracy of the camera module installed on the mobile platform, thereby effectively mitigating the situation where algorithm calculation errors occur due to camera module installation accuracy errors, and also effectively mitigating the situation where the algorithm completely fails due to camera module installation accuracy, thereby reducing the redundancy and security of the overall system.

[0096] It should be noted that the mobile platform described in this embodiment of the present invention can be, for example, a mobile robot, model aircraft, drone, robotic arm, car, ship, etc. It should also be pointed out that the structure of the mobile platform is not limited to this; this embodiment is merely illustrative.

[0097] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A camera module positioning structure, characterized in that, include: The outer shell of the camera module includes a front shell and a rear shell. The front shell is integrally formed and includes a connecting part for combining with the rear shell and a lens part extending outward from the connecting part. The connecting part and the rear shell combine to form a body. The lens part is used to house the lens of the camera module. A limiting structure is provided on the component used to install the camera module to limit the movement of the camera module in three axes; The limiting structure includes a lens positioning part, including a first limiting structure for limiting the lens part.

2. The camera module positioning structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting structure is at least used to limit the downward movement of the lens portion in the vertical direction, and to limit the movement of the lens portion in the positive and / or negative directions in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to its axis.

3. The camera module positioning structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first limiting structure is a U-shaped slot or a lens hole.

4. The camera module positioning structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting structure also includes a torso positioning part, including a second limiting structure for limiting the torso.

5. The camera module positioning structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second limiting structure is used to restrict the movement of the torso in the vertical direction, in the first horizontal direction perpendicular to the lens axis direction, and in the positive and negative directions along the lens axis direction.

6. The camera module positioning structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second limiting structure includes a first structure that abuts against the torso to restrict vertical movement of the torso in both the positive and negative directions; or, The second limiting structure includes a second structure for restricting the movement of the torso in a first horizontal direction and in the positive and negative directions in the direction of the lens axis.

7. The camera module positioning structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first structure includes a first rib for restricting the torso's movement in the positive vertical direction, and a second rib for restricting the torso's movement in the negative vertical direction, wherein the first and second ribs are positioned corresponding to each other; or, The second structure includes a first fastener disposed on one positive side and one negative side of the first horizontal direction of the torso, and a second fastener disposed on the torso corresponding to the structure of the first fastener.

8. The camera module positioning structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second structure also includes an elastic structure disposed between the connecting portion and the component.

9. The camera module positioning structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The component has a connecting surface, which is used to bond and fix it to the windshield with adhesive.

10. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module positioning structure described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is connected to the component for mounting the camera module.

11. A mobile platform, characterized in that, The camera module is provided as described in claim 10, or the camera module is installed using the camera module positioning structure described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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