Camera waterproof structure and camera module for smart interactive device

Abstract

The application provides a camera waterproof structure and a camera module for a smart interactive device. The camera waterproof structure comprises a shell, a glass and a thermoplastic polyurethane transition part. The shell is a plastic shell. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition part is arranged around the circumference of the glass, and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition part and the glass are integrally injection molded. The glass is connected to the side surface of the shell through the thermoplastic polyurethane transition part, and the glass is exposed to the shell, and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition part and the shell are integrally injection molded. The camera waterproof structure has a long service life and good waterproof stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of camera technology, and in particular to a waterproof camera structure and a camera module for smart interactive devices. Background Technology

[0002] Cameras are widely used in fields such as intelligent driving, intelligent education, and smart homes. Cameras have high waterproof requirements, otherwise the image formation quality of the camera will be affected. For example, the utility model patent application with application number CN201821211617.8 designs a vertical circular cavity between the glass pressure plate and the glass. Double O-rings are set in the vertical circular cavity and surround the lens. The entire double O-ring is a key waterproof component, which effectively enhances the waterproof effect of the camera. However, double O-rings are prone to aging, which will cause the sealing effect to deteriorate, resulting in a short service life and poor waterproof stability. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a waterproof structure for cameras with a long service life and good waterproof stability, as well as a camera module for smart interactive devices.

[0004] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: A waterproof camera structure includes a housing and a glass panel, and the waterproof camera structure further includes a thermoplastic polyurethane transition section. The outer casing is a plastic casing; The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion is arranged around the circumference of the glass, and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the glass are integrally injection molded structures. The glass is connected to the side of the housing at least through the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion, and the glass is exposed outside the housing. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the housing are integrally injection molded structures.

[0005] In one embodiment, the plastic shell is a polycarbonate shell, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer shell, or an acrylic shell.

[0006] In one embodiment, the side of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion away from the housing is flush with the side of the housing near the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, the side of the glass away from the housing is flush with the side of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion away from the housing.

[0008] In one embodiment, the housing is used to house a camera, the lens of which is positioned facing the glass; The outer diameter of the glass is larger than the outer diameter of the camera lens.

[0009] In one embodiment, the housing has an exposed hole, the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the glass are sealed at the exposed hole, and the periphery of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion is connected to the hole wall of the exposed hole.

[0010] In one embodiment, a light guide ring is connected to the housing, the light guide ring is disposed in the exposed hole, and the inner wall of the light guide ring is connected to the outer wall of the camera lens, the outer wall of the light guide ring is connected to the hole wall of the exposed hole, and the side of the light guide ring near the glass is provided with a plurality of annular sawtooth light guide grooves, the plurality of annular sawtooth light guide grooves are spaced apart and all surround the camera lens.

[0011] In one embodiment, the light guide ring and the outer shell are integrally formed.

[0012] In one embodiment, the edge thickness of the glass is greater than the center thickness, and the glass has a thickness gradient or aspherical gradient in the radial direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, a rounded corner structure is provided at the intersection of the side of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion away from the glass and the side of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion away from the outer shell, and the outer shell is at least partially attached to the rounded corner structure.

[0014] A camera module for a smart interactive device includes a mounting housing, a camera, and a waterproof camera structure as described in any of the above embodiments. The camera is housed within the housing and connected to the housing. The lens of the camera is positioned facing the glass, and the outer diameter of the glass is larger than the outer diameter of the lens of the camera. The housing is connected to the mounting housing, and the glass is exposed outside the mounting housing.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages: The waterproof camera structure of this utility model features a thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion surrounding the periphery of the glass. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the glass are integrally injection molded. The outer shell is made of plastic, and the glass is connected to the side of the outer shell at least through the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion. This integral injection molding of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the outer shell ensures that the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion plays a role in thermal stress transfer and achieves a tight and stable fit between the outer shell, the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion, and the glass. Furthermore, the plastic shell and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion exhibit excellent aging resistance, thus ensuring a longer service life for the waterproof camera structure and significantly improving its waterproof stability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof structure of a camera according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the waterproof structure of the camera shown. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part A of the waterproof structure of the camera shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this utility model.

[0019] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0021] This application provides a waterproof structure for a camera. The waterproof structure includes a housing, glass, and a thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion. The housing is a plastic housing. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion is disposed circumferentially around the glass, and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the glass are integrally injection molded. The glass is connected to the side of the housing at least through the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion, and the glass is exposed outside the housing; the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the housing are integrally injection molded.

[0022] The aforementioned waterproof camera structure features a thermoplastic polyurethane transition section surrounding the periphery of the glass. This transition section and the glass are integrally injection-molded, and the outer shell is made of plastic. The glass is connected to the side of the outer shell at least through the thermoplastic polyurethane transition section, which is also integrally injection-molded with the shell. This ensures that the thermoplastic polyurethane transition section plays a role in thermal stress transfer and achieves a tight and stable fit between the outer shell, the transition section, and the glass. Furthermore, the plastic shell and the transition section exhibit excellent aging resistance, thus ensuring a longer service life for the waterproof camera structure and significantly improving its waterproof stability.

[0023] To better understand the waterproof structure of the camera in this application, the following further explanation is provided: Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 One embodiment of the waterproof camera structure 10 includes a housing 100, a glass 200, and a thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300. The housing 100 is a plastic housing 100. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 is disposed circumferentially around the glass 200, and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 and the glass 200 are integrally injection molded structures. The glass 200 is connected to the side of the housing 100 at least through the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300, and the glass 200 is exposed outside the housing 100; the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 and the housing 100 are integrally injection molded structures.

[0024] The aforementioned waterproof camera structure 10 features a thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 surrounding the periphery of the glass 200. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 and the glass 200 are integrally injection-molded. The outer shell 100 is a plastic shell. The glass 200 is connected to the side of the outer shell 100 at least through the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300, which, being integrally injection-molded with the outer shell 100, effectively transfers thermal stress. This ensures a tight and stable fit between the outer shell 100, the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300, and the glass 200. Furthermore, the plastic shell 100 and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 exhibit excellent aging resistance, thereby ensuring a longer service life for the waterproof camera structure 10 and significantly improving its waterproof stability.

[0025] In one embodiment, the plastic shell is a polycarbonate shell, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer shell, or an acrylic shell, which better ensures the structural strength of the shell and the effective transition of thermal stress with the thermoplastic polyurethane transition section, thereby achieving a tight and stable fit between the shell, the thermoplastic polyurethane transition section, and the glass, and better improving the waterproof stability of the camera waterproof structure.

[0026] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the side of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 away from the housing 100 is flush with the side of the housing 100 near the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300. Furthermore, the side of the glass 200 away from the housing 100 is flush with the side of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 away from the housing 100, which helps improve the aesthetics of the camera waterproof structure 10.

[0027] In one embodiment, the housing is used to house the camera, with the camera lens facing the glass. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the glass is larger than the outer diameter of the camera lens, which better ensures the camera's shooting effect.

[0028] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the outer shell 100 is provided with an exposed hole 101. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 and the glass 200 are sealed together at the exposed hole 101, and the periphery of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 is connected to the hole wall of the exposed hole 101, so that the outer shell 100 partially surrounds the periphery of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 is arranged around the periphery of the glass 200, which is beneficial to improve the tight fit stability of the outer shell 100, the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 and the glass 200.

[0029] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment, a light guide ring 400 is connected to the housing 100. The light guide ring 400 is disposed within the exposed hole 101, and the inner wall of the light guide ring 400 is connected to the outer wall of the camera lens. The outer wall of the light guide ring 400 is connected to the hole wall of the exposed hole 101. Multiple annular serrated light guide grooves 401 are provided on the side of the light guide ring 400 near the glass 200. These multiple annular serrated light guide grooves are spaced apart and all surround the camera lens. Furthermore, the light guide ring 400 and the housing 100 are integrally formed, which improves the camera's shooting effect and reduces the processing steps of the waterproof structure 10, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the waterproof structure 10.

[0030] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the edge thickness of the glass 200 is greater than the center thickness. In the radial direction of the glass 200, the thickness gradient of the glass 200 changes or becomes aspherical. This thickness gradient change of the glass 200 is beneficial for the field curvature correction of the camera, while the aspherical thickness gradient of the glass 200 is beneficial for eliminating spherical aberration.

[0031] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, a rounded corner structure is provided at the intersection of the side of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 away from the glass 200 and the side of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 away from the outer shell 100. The outer shell 100 is attached to the rounded corner structure at least partially, which helps to improve the bonding stability of the outer shell 100 to the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 during integral injection molding.

[0032] This application also provides a camera module for a smart interactive device, including a mounting housing, a camera, and a waterproof camera structure according to any of the above embodiments. The camera is housed within the housing and connected to it. The camera lens faces the glass, and the outer diameter of the glass is larger than the outer diameter of the camera lens. The housing is connected to the mounting housing, and the glass is exposed outside the mounting housing. Further, in this embodiment, the waterproof camera structure includes a housing, glass, and a thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion. The housing is a plastic housing. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion is circumferentially disposed around the glass, and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the glass are integrally injection molded. The glass is connected to the side of the housing at least through the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion, and the glass is exposed outside the housing; the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the housing are integrally injection molded.

[0033] The aforementioned camera module for smart interactive devices adopts a waterproof structure, which effectively extends the service life of the camera module for smart interactive devices and improves its waterproof stability.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages: The waterproof camera structure 10 of this utility model features a thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 surrounding the periphery of the glass 200. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 and the glass 200 are integrally injection-molded. The outer shell 100 is a plastic shell. The glass 200 is connected to the side of the outer shell 100 at least through the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300, which, being integrally injection-molded with the outer shell 100, effectively transfers thermal stress. This ensures a tight and stable fit between the outer shell 100, the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300, and the glass 200. Furthermore, the plastic shell 100 and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion 300 exhibit excellent aging resistance, thereby ensuring a longer service life for the waterproof camera structure 10 and significantly improving its waterproof stability.

[0035] The above embodiments only illustrate several implementation methods of this utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A waterproof structure for a camera, comprising a housing and glass, characterized in that, The waterproof structure of the camera also includes a thermoplastic polyurethane transition section. The outer casing is a plastic casing; The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion is arranged around the circumference of the glass, and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the glass are integrally injection molded structures. The glass is connected to the side of the housing at least through the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion, and the glass is exposed outside the housing. The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the housing are integrally injection molded structures.

2. The waterproof structure for a camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic shell is a polycarbonate shell, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer shell, or an acrylic shell.

3. The waterproof structure for a camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion away from the outer shell is flush with the side of the outer shell near the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion.

4. The waterproof structure for a camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the glass away from the outer casing is flush with the side of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion away from the outer casing.

5. The waterproof structure for a camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is used to house the camera, the lens of which is oriented toward the glass; The outer diameter of the glass is larger than the outer diameter of the camera lens.

6. The waterproof structure for a camera according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer shell has an exposed hole, and the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion and the glass are sealed at the exposed hole, and the periphery of the thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion is connected to the hole wall of the exposed hole.

7. The waterproof structure for a camera according to claim 6, characterized in that, A light guide ring is connected to the outer casing. The light guide ring is disposed in the exposed hole, and the inner wall of the light guide ring is connected to the outer wall of the camera lens. The outer wall of the light guide ring is connected to the hole wall of the exposed hole. The side of the light guide ring near the glass is provided with multiple annular sawtooth light guide grooves. The multiple annular sawtooth light guide grooves are spaced apart and all surround the camera lens.

8. The waterproof structure for a camera according to claim 7, characterized in that, The light guide ring and the outer shell are integrally formed.

9. The waterproof structure for a camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass has a greater edge thickness than its center thickness, and in the radial direction of the glass, the glass exhibits a thickness gradient or an aspherical gradual change; and / or, The thermoplastic polyurethane transition portion has a rounded corner structure at the intersection of the side away from the glass and the side away from the outer shell, and the outer shell is at least partially attached to the rounded corner structure.

10. A camera module for a smart interactive device, characterized in that, The device includes a mounting housing, a camera, and a waterproof structure for the camera as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the camera is housed within the housing and connected to the housing, the lens of the camera is positioned facing the glass, and the outer diameter of the glass is larger than the outer diameter of the lens of the camera, the housing is connected to the mounting housing, and the glass is exposed outside the mounting housing.

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