Self-cleaning lens structure

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a self-cleaning lens structure, which is provided with a heater and a piezoelectric ceramic on a first lens. The heater provides heating function for the first lens, and the ceramic piece provides vibration water-removing function for the first lens. The two cooperate to vibrate and heat the exposed first lens, so that the efficiency of automatic frost removal and defogging can be improved in cold, humid or other weather conditions or environments. Since the heating power of the heater is lower than the vibration power of the ceramic piece, this mode can reduce power consumption, and at the same time, can reduce the piezoelectric ceramic attenuation problem caused by long-term high-frequency vibration, and ensure the service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lenses, specifically to a self-cleaning lens structure. 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.

[0003] An innovative self-cleaning lens has been developed, which incorporates a vibrating piezoelectric ceramic on the lens to defog and ensure the cleanliness of the outer surface of the camera's first lens. While this piezoelectric ceramic is highly functional, its water removal efficiency is low, its power consumption is high, and long-term high-frequency vibration can lead to a decrease in the lifespan of the piezoelectric ceramic. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the issues of low cleaning efficiency and high power consumption in existing self-cleaning lenses, this invention provides a self-cleaning lens structure. By setting a heater and a piezoelectric ceramic on the first lens, the heater provides heating for the first lens, and the ceramic provides vibration dewatering for the first lens. The two work together to vibrate and heat the exposed first lens, thereby improving the efficiency of automatic defrosting and defogging in cold or humid weather conditions or environments.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a self-cleaning lens structure, which includes at least a lens barrel, a first lens disposed at the front end of the lens barrel, a heater for heating the first lens, and a piezoelectric ceramic for vibrating the first lens.

[0006] In the self-cleaning lens structure described above, the heater abuts against the first lens, and the piezoelectric ceramic is disposed on the side of the heater away from the first lens.

[0007] As described above, in the self-cleaning lens structure, the lower surface of the first lens has a ring-shaped plane around its periphery, and the upper surface of the heater is in contact with the ring-shaped plane.

[0008] In the self-cleaning lens structure described above, the heater is in the shape of an annular plate and is tightly attached to the annular plane.

[0009] In the self-cleaning lens structure described above, the piezoelectric ceramic is in the shape of a ring and is tightly attached to the side of the heater away from the first lens.

[0010] As described above, the self-cleaning lens structure has a first cavity and a second cavity sequentially formed from the outside to the inside at the front end of the lens barrel. The inner diameter of the second cavity is smaller than that of the first cavity. The first lens is mounted on the first cavity, and the heater and piezoelectric ceramic are located inside the second cavity.

[0011] As described above, in the self-cleaning lens structure, there is a gap between the bottom and periphery of the heater and piezoelectric ceramic and the second cavity.

[0012] As described above, in the self-cleaning lens structure, a first sealing element is provided between the bottom of the first lens and the first cavity, and / or a second sealing structure is provided between the periphery of the first lens and the first cavity.

[0013] As described above, in the self-cleaning lens structure, the first sealing element is waterproof silicone or a sealing ring, and the second sealing structure is waterproof silicone.

[0014] The self-cleaning lens structure described above also includes a conductive element for powering the heater and piezoelectric ceramic, with one end of the conductive element electrically connected to the heater and piezoelectric ceramic and the other end extending outside the lens barrel.

[0015] As described above, the self-cleaning lens structure has a wire hole on the lens barrel. The wire hole extends from the bottom of the second cavity to the outside of the lens barrel, allowing the conductive element to pass through the wire hole from the second cavity and extend outwards from the lens barrel.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application provides a self-cleaning lens structure. By setting a heater and a piezoelectric ceramic on the first lens, the heater provides heating for the first lens, and the ceramic provides vibration dewatering for the first lens. The two work together to vibrate and heat the exposed first lens, thereby improving the efficiency of automatic defrosting and defogging in cold or humid weather conditions or environments. Since the heating power of the heater is lower than the vibration power of the ceramic, this method can reduce power consumption and reduce the attenuation problem of the piezoelectric ceramic caused by long-term high-frequency vibration, thus ensuring service life. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a high-efficiency self-cleaning lens in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of part A in the middle; Figure 3 This is an assembly diagram of the heater, piezoelectric ceramic, and conductive element according to an embodiment of this application; In the figure: lens barrel 1, annular plane 11, first cavity 12, second cavity 13, wire hole 14, first lens 2, pressure cap 3, piezoelectric ceramic 4, conductive element 5, first sealing element 6, second sealing structure 7, heater 8. Detailed Implementation

[0019] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this application provides a self-cleaning lens structure, which includes at least a lens barrel 1, a first lens 2 disposed at the front end of the lens barrel, a cap 3 that cooperates with the front end of the lens barrel 1 to lock the first lens 2 onto the lens barrel 1, and also includes a heater 8 that can heat the first lens 2, and a piezoelectric ceramic 4 disposed on the heater 8 that can vibrate the first lens 2.

[0020] This application provides a self-cleaning lens structure. By setting a heater and a piezoelectric ceramic on the first lens, the heater provides heating for the first lens, and the ceramic provides vibration dewatering for the first lens. The two work together to vibrate and heat the exposed first lens, thereby improving the efficiency of automatic defrosting and defogging in cold or humid weather conditions or environments. Since the heating power of the heater is lower than the vibration power of the ceramic, this method can reduce power consumption and reduce the attenuation problem of the piezoelectric ceramic caused by long-term high-frequency vibration, thus ensuring service life.

[0021] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of this application, the heater 8 abuts against the first lens 2, and the piezoelectric ceramic 4 is disposed on the side of the heater 8 away from the first lens 2. The heater 8 can directly heat the first lens 2, and the high-frequency vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic 4 drives the first lens 2 to clean the dirt on the lens surface. The heater 8 and the piezoelectric ceramic 4 can be disposed on the front end, rear end, or side of the first lens 2. Compared with a single heater and piezoelectric ceramic, this application integrates the heater 8 and the piezoelectric ceramic 4 for use, which can improve the heating and cleaning effect. At the same time, since the heating power of the heater is lower than the vibration power of the ceramic sheet, this method can reduce power consumption and reduce the piezoelectric ceramic attenuation problem caused by long-term high-frequency vibration, thus ensuring service life.

[0022] In a specific embodiment of this application, the lower surface of the first lens 2 is a ring-shaped plane, and the upper surface of the heater 8 is in contact with the ring-shaped plane. The heater 8 is disposed on the lower surface of the first lens 2. The heater 8 and the piezoelectric ceramic 4 are built into the lens, which increases the ultrasonic cleaning function. The structure is simple, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the lens module and is suitable for AA, threaded, and integrated lenses. It can achieve cleaning of rainwater and dust.

[0023] Furthermore, the heater 8 is annular in shape and tightly attached to the annular plane; specifically, the heater 8 is a heating element. The piezoelectric ceramic 4 is annular in shape and tightly attached to the side of the heater away from the first lens. This design improves the heating effect and has a simple structure. As a preferred embodiment, the piezoelectric ceramic 4 is made of PZT-4 material. This utility model innovatively integrates the PZT-4 piezoelectric ceramic and the heating element ring under the first lens 2. Heating can be achieved by supplying power to the heating element, and high-frequency vibration can be achieved by supplying power to the piezoelectric material. This drives the first lens 2 to heat and vibrate to clean dirt on the lens surface. Compared with piezoelectric ceramics of other materials, PZT-4 material has more stable performance and less impact on lens module imaging, ensuring the imaging quality of the camera equipment.

[0024] Furthermore, the front end of the lens barrel 1 is provided with a first cavity 12 and a second cavity 13 from the outside to the inside. The inner diameter of the second cavity 13 is smaller than that of the first cavity 12. The first lens 2 is mounted on the first cavity 12. The heater 8 and the piezoelectric ceramic 4 are located in the second cavity 13. A step is formed between the first cavity and the second cavity. The first lens 2 is housed on the step. The heater and the piezoelectric ceramic are located in the second cavity. In this application, the heater 8 is bonded to the first lens 2 with glue, and the heater 8 is also bonded to the piezoelectric ceramic 4 with glue.

[0025] Furthermore, there is a gap between the bottom and periphery of the heater 8 and the piezoelectric ceramic 4 and the second cavity 13. At this time, the piezoelectric ceramic 4 and the heater 8 are in a suspended state. There is a gap between the piezoelectric ceramic 4 and the lens barrel 1. The periphery and bottom of the piezoelectric ceramic 4 and the heater 8 do not contact any other parts, reducing the transmission of vibration through the lens barrel 1 to the rear lens module and improving the imaging quality. Being in a suspended state can avoid affecting the imaging clarity of the optical lens.

[0026] Furthermore, a first sealing element 6 is provided between the bottom of the first lens 2 and the first cavity 12, and / or a second sealing structure 5 is provided between the periphery of the first lens 2 and the first cavity 12. By providing a sealing structure on the periphery or bottom of the first lens 2, this application can improve the product's sealing performance and avoid [problems].

[0027] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment, sealing structures can be provided on both sides and the bottom of the first lens, which can achieve double waterproofing to overcome the problem of weakened overall airtightness of the module due to vibration of the front lens, thus leading to the intrusion of external liquids. This ensures the safety of the internal environment of the camera module during operation, effectively copes with the attenuation of the sealing of the movable structure, avoids leakage when the piezoelectric ceramic moves, and prevents short circuit damage. It also fully releases the vibration performance of the piezoelectric ceramic. Compared with traditional camera modules, the camera module of this application integrates the piezoelectric ceramic inside the lens, adds ultrasonic cleaning function, has a simple structure, is conducive to the miniaturization of the lens module, is suitable for AA, threaded, and integrated lenses, and can achieve cleaning of rainwater and dust.

[0028] Furthermore, the first sealing element 12 is waterproof silicone or a sealing ring, and the second sealing structure 13 is waterproof silicone. The front end of the first lens 2 is waterproofed with waterproof silicone, and simultaneously, or the bottom end of the first lens 2 is waterproofed with waterproof silicone or a sealing ring, thus achieving double waterproofing.

[0029] Furthermore, it also includes a conductive element 5 for powering the heater 8 and the piezoelectric ceramic 4. One end of the conductive element 5 is electrically connected to the heater 8 and the piezoelectric ceramic 4, and the other end extends to the outside of the lens barrel 1. Even further, a wire-passing hole 14 is provided on the lens barrel 1, extending from the bottom of the second cavity 13 to the outside of the lens barrel 1, for the conductive element 5 to pass through the wire-passing hole 14 from the second cavity 13 and extend outwards from the lens barrel 1. Specifically, both electrodes of the piezoelectric ceramic 4 are guided to its outer surface, and the piezoelectric ceramic 4 is bonded to the conductive element 5 by welding or conductive adhesive. Specifically, the conductive element 5 is a power supply wire or an FPC, which is connected to the internal PCBA of the camera module to obtain power. The ceramic sheet is powered through the FPC flexible circuit board, and the FPC is connected to the rear end of the lens through the lens barrel opening; by powering the ceramic sheet to generate vibration and heat, the first lens is cleaned and heated.

[0030] 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, or fog. At this time, the user can issue a cleaning command through the host. The camera module receives the signal and supplies power to the heater and piezoelectric ceramic ring through the circuit board. The heater generates heat and transfers it to the first lens, raising its temperature and realizing the defogging and de-icing function. Due to the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric ceramic ring inside the optical lens resonates with the front lens at the corresponding frequency, and the dirt and water droplets on the lens surface are bounced away, thus cleaning the lens.

[0031] 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. A self-cleaning lens structure, comprising at least a lens barrel and a first lens disposed at the front end of the lens barrel, characterized in that, It also includes a heater that can heat the first lens, and a piezoelectric ceramic that can vibrate the first lens; The front end of the lens tube has a first cavity and a second cavity opened sequentially from the outside to the inside. The inner diameter of the second cavity is smaller than that of the first cavity. The first lens is mounted on the first cavity, and the heater and piezoelectric ceramic are located in the second cavity.

2. The self-cleaning lens structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heater abuts against the first lens, and the piezoelectric ceramic is located on the side of the heater away from the first lens.

3. The self-cleaning lens structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower surface of the first lens has an annular plane around its periphery, and the upper surface of the heater is in contact with the annular plane.

4. The self-cleaning lens structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heater is in the shape of an annular plate and is tightly attached to the annular plane around it; The piezoelectric ceramic is in the shape of a ring and is tightly attached to the side of the heater away from the first lens.

5. The self-cleaning lens structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: There is a gap between the bottom and periphery of the heater and piezoelectric ceramic and the second cavity.

6. The self-cleaning lens structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first sealing element is provided between the bottom of the first lens and the first cavity, and / or a second sealing structure is provided between the periphery of the first lens and the first cavity.

7. The self-cleaning lens structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first sealing element is waterproof silicone or a sealing ring, and the second sealing structure is waterproof silicone.

8. The self-cleaning lens structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a conductive element for powering the heater and piezoelectric ceramic, with one end of the conductive element electrically connected to the heater and piezoelectric ceramic and the other end extending outside the lens barrel.

9. The self-cleaning lens structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lens barrel is provided with a wire hole that extends from the bottom of the second cavity to the outside of the lens barrel, so that the conductive element can extend out of the lens barrel after passing through the wire hole from the second cavity.

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