Camera assembly and vehicle having the same

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of camera assembly and vehicle with it, camera assembly includes upper cover, lower cover, lens and heating device, lower cover has opening, upper cover is buckled in opening, upper cover and lower cover mutually cooperate to form accommodating cavity;Wherein, lens is integrally formed on upper cover, heating device is arranged in accommodating cavity, and installed in lower cover, heating device can heat lens.This lens and upper cover are integrally processed and formed, replace the glue layer for fixing lens in traditional structure, can eliminate the thermal resistance of low thermal conductivity glue, so that heat is more directly, quickly transferred to lens, improve the heat conduction efficiency of upper cover and lower cover to lens, speed up the speed of defogging, defrosting etc.Function.Moreover, upper cover and lower cover are cooperated to form accommodating cavity, can provide relatively closed space for heating device, can reduce the loss of heat, so that more heat is transferred to lens, improve heating efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle electronic technology, and more specifically, to a camera assembly and a vehicle having the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of intelligent connected vehicles, the application of in-vehicle cameras in scenarios such as reversing cameras, surround view monitoring, driver assistance, and electronic rearview mirrors is becoming increasingly widespread. In these application scenarios, in-vehicle cameras typically directly impact driving safety; therefore, the cameras need to have high environmental adaptability and be able to operate stably in harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, and low temperatures. In environments such as low temperatures and heavy rain, the surface of the camera lens is prone to fogging, frost, or even ice formation, affecting image quality and consequently impacting the driver's perception and judgment.

[0003] Existing technologies primarily employ either mechanical or heating methods to address the aforementioned problems. However, mechanical methods physically remove condensation from the lens surface using mechanical components, resulting in complex structures, high costs, large sizes, and inconvenient maintenance. Existing heating-type camera modules typically place the heating element within the camera module housing, transferring heat to the lens through the housing. However, in these structures, the lens and housing are fixed together using adhesive. Adhesive has a low thermal conductivity, leading to insufficient heat transfer from the housing to the lens, thus reducing the speed and effectiveness of defogging, defrosting, and de-icing. For example, in the camera assembly shown in prior art CN222215847U, the lens and housing are bonded together with adhesive. While this fixation is convenient, the low thermal conductivity of the adhesive makes it difficult to transfer sufficient heat to the lens in a short time to achieve defogging and defrosting functions. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a camera assembly and a vehicle having the same, to solve the problem of low heat transfer efficiency in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a camera assembly is provided, the camera assembly including an upper cover, a lower cover, a lens and a heating device, the lower cover having an opening, the upper cover being fastened to the opening, the upper cover and the lower cover cooperating to form a receiving cavity; wherein, the lens is integrally formed on the upper cover, the heating device is disposed in the receiving cavity and installed in the lower cover, and the heating device is capable of heating the lens.

[0006] Furthermore, the camera assembly also includes a heat-conducting device disposed within the receiving cavity, and the heat-conducting device abuts against the heating device and the lower cover respectively.

[0007] Furthermore, the camera assembly also includes a control board located within the housing cavity, which is electrically connected to the heating device.

[0008] Furthermore, the camera assembly also includes an image sensor, which is mounted on the control board and electrically connected to the control board. The image sensor is configured to correspond with the lens.

[0009] Furthermore, the camera assembly also includes a connector that is detachably mounted on the lower cover. One end of the connector is electrically connected to the control board, and the other end is used for electrical connection to external devices.

[0010] Furthermore, the control board is located on the side of the heating device near the top cover, with the control board and the heating device spaced apart. The connector is located below the control board, and the heating device is located on the outer periphery of the connector.

[0011] Furthermore, the lens includes a lens body, an external lens element, and multiple internal lenses. The lens body has a mounting cavity and is integrally formed on the upper cover. The mounting cavity extends in a direction away from the lower cover. The external lens element is mounted on the end of the lens body away from the lower cover, and the multiple internal lenses are spaced apart within the receiving cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, a metal fusion layer is formed at the weld joint of the upper and lower covers, and the upper and lower covers are welded together through the metal fusion layer.

[0013] Furthermore, the camera assembly also includes a sealing device disposed between the connector and the lower cover.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including a vehicle body and the aforementioned camera assembly; wherein the camera assembly is connected to the vehicle body.

[0015] By applying the technical solution of this utility model, the lens and the top cover are integrally formed, replacing the glue layer used to fix the lens in the traditional structure. This eliminates the thermal resistance of the low thermal conductivity glue, allowing heat to be transferred to the lens more directly and quickly, improving the heat conduction efficiency from the top and bottom covers to the lens, and accelerating the speed of functions such as defogging and defrosting. Furthermore, by fitting the top and bottom covers together to form a receiving cavity, the heating device is placed inside the receiving cavity and installed on the bottom cover. This provides a relatively enclosed space for the heating device, reducing heat loss and allowing more heat to be transferred to the lens, thus improving heating efficiency. In addition, integrally forming the lens and top cover also improves the overall sealing of the camera assembly, preventing moisture and other external impurities from entering and causing damage to the entire assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the camera assembly provided by this utility model is shown.

[0018] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0019] 10. Top cover;

[0020] 20. Bottom cover;

[0021] 30. Lens;

[0022] 31. Main subject of the shot;

[0023] 311. Installation cavity;

[0024] 32. External lens;

[0025] 33. Internal lens;

[0026] 40. Heating device;

[0027] 50. Heat conduction device;

[0028] 60. Control panel;

[0029] 70. Image sensor;

[0030] 80. Connector;

[0031] 91. Receiving cavity;

[0032] 92. Metal weld layer. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present utility model or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a camera assembly, including an upper cover 10, a lower cover 20, a lens 30, and a heating device 40. The lower cover 20 has an opening, and the upper cover 10 is fastened to the opening. The upper cover 10 and the lower cover 20 cooperate with each other to form a receiving cavity 91. The lens 30 is integrally formed on the upper cover 10, and the heating device 40 is disposed in the receiving cavity 91 and installed in the lower cover 20. The heating device 40 can heat the lens 30.

[0035] In this embodiment, the lens 30 and the upper cover 10 are integrally formed, replacing the glue layer used to fix the lens 30 in the traditional structure. This eliminates the thermal resistance of the low thermal conductivity glue, allowing heat to be transferred to the lens 30 more directly and quickly, improving the heat conduction efficiency from the upper cover 10 and lower cover 20 to the lens 30, and accelerating the speed of functions such as defogging and defrosting. Furthermore, the upper cover 10 and lower cover 20 are fitted together to form a receiving cavity 91, and the heating device 40 is placed inside the receiving cavity 91 and mounted on the lower cover 20. This provides a relatively enclosed space for the heating device 40, reducing heat loss and allowing more heat to be transferred to the lens 30, thus improving heating efficiency. In addition, integrally forming the lens 30 and the upper cover 10 also improves the overall sealing of the camera assembly, preventing moisture and other external impurities from entering and causing damage to the entire assembly.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the camera assembly also includes a heat-conducting device 50, which is disposed within the receiving cavity 91 and abuts against the heating device 40 and the lower cover 20 respectively. This provides a dedicated high thermal conductivity channel, efficiently transferring heat from the heating device 40 to the lower cover 20, the upper cover 10 connected to the lower cover 20, and the lens 30, thereby improving the speed and uniformity of lens heating. Furthermore, the contact between the heat-conducting device 50 and the heating device 40 and the lower cover 20 reduces energy loss caused by heat transfer through air or non-thermal-conducting materials, improving thermal efficiency.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the camera assembly also includes a control board 60, which is located inside the housing cavity 91. The control board 60 is electrically connected to the heating device 40 and can provide the heating device 40 with the power required for its operation. Moreover, by placing the control board 60 and the heating device 40 together inside the housing cavity 91, compared to placing the control board 60 outside, the electrical connection distance between the control board 60 and the heating device 40 can be shortened, resistance loss and interference can be reduced, response speed can be improved, and the complexity of external wiring can be reduced, thus reducing assembly difficulty and failure rate.

[0038] like Figure 1As shown, the camera assembly also includes an image sensor 70, which is mounted on the control board 60 and electrically connected to it. The image sensor 70 is correspondingly positioned with the lens 30. This shortens the connection distance between the image sensor 70 and the control board 60, reduces signal transmission delay and noise, improves image acquisition quality, and eliminates the need for external connectors and wiring, reducing the number of potential failure points and improving the overall system stability and reliability. Furthermore, mounting the image sensor 70 on the control board 60 allows the control board to provide structural support and positioning for the image sensor 70, ensuring more precise alignment of the optical axis between the image sensor 70 and the lens 30, and reducing the impact of assembly errors on image quality.

[0039] During the assembly of the camera components, the distance between the image sensor 70, the control board 60, and the lens 30 is first adjusted according to the focal length of the lens 30. When the distance between the image sensor 70 and the lens is optimal, the control board 60 is fixedly connected to the top cover 10 to prevent the distance between the image sensor 70 and the lens 30 from changing due to factors such as vibration during subsequent use, which would ultimately affect the image quality.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the camera assembly also includes a connector 80, which is detachably mounted on the lower cover 20. One end of the connector 80 is electrically connected to the control board 60, and the other end is used for electrical connection to external devices. This configuration shortens the signal transmission path, reduces attenuation and interference during electrical signal transmission, and improves transmission stability and speed. Furthermore, it facilitates quick replacement or repair of the connector 80 during production, maintenance, or upgrades without requiring complete disassembly of the camera assembly, reducing the risk of the entire module being scrapped due to interface damage and lowering maintenance costs. Additionally, different types of connectors 80 can be used to meet the interface requirements of different vehicle models or external devices, improving the compatibility and versatility of the connector 80.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the control board 60 is located on the side of the heating device 40 near the upper cover 10, with the control board 60 and the heating device 40 spaced apart. The connector 80 is located below the control board 60, and the heating device 40 is located on the outer periphery of the connector 80. In this embodiment, separating the control board 60 from the heating device 40 reduces direct heat radiation from the heating device 40 to the electronic components and image sensor 70 on the control board 60, preventing overheating of the circuit from affecting performance or lifespan. Furthermore, placing the connector 80 below the control board 60 simplifies the wiring inside the receiving cavity 91, making the electrical connection between the control board 60 and the connector 80 more direct and facilitating quick installation.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, the lens 30 includes a lens body 31, an external lens 32 and a plurality of internal lenses 33. The lens body 31 has a mounting cavity 311. The lens body 31 is integrally formed on the upper cover 10. The mounting cavity 311 extends in a direction away from the lower cover 20. The external lens 32 is mounted on the end of the lens body 31 away from the lower cover 20. The plurality of internal lenses 33 are spaced apart in the receiving cavity 91.

[0043] In this embodiment, the external lens 32, installed at the end of the lens body 31 away from the lower cover 20, serves as the first optical surface. It can directly participate in imaging and preferentially defrost or remove fog during heating, ensuring image clarity. Multiple internal lenses 33 can perform optical correction, reducing aberrations and distortion to improve image quality. Furthermore, the multiple internal lenses 33 are installed in the mounting cavity 311, which provides sealing protection for the internal lenses 33, reducing the ingress of external impurities such as dust and moisture. It also ensures the precise relative position of the multiple internal lenses 33, maintains optical axis consistency, and improves imaging stability.

[0044] The lens body 31 is integrally molded onto the upper cover 10, eliminating the traditional glue fixing method. This improves the heat conduction efficiency between the lens 30 and the upper cover 10, allowing the heating device 40 to quickly transfer heat to the external lens 32 through the upper cover 10 and lower cover 20. This increases the speed of defogging, defrosting, and de-icing, while also enhancing structural strength and sealing, reducing the risk of moisture infiltration and structural loosening. Furthermore, the mounting cavity 311 extends away from the lower cover 20, making the external lens 32 the direct target of heating. This enables the rapid restoration of the external lens 32's sharpness and prevents the internal lens 33 from being directly exposed to the external environment, thus improving durability.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, a metal fusion layer 92 is formed at the weld joint of the upper cover 10 and the lower cover 20, and the upper cover 10 and the lower cover 20 are welded together through the metal fusion layer 92. In this embodiment, compared with threaded connections, adhesive bonding, etc., the metal fusion layer 92 has almost no additional thermal resistance, a higher thermal conductivity, and more direct and rapid heat transfer, which can efficiently transfer the heat generated by the heating device 40 to the lens 30, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the lens 30. Moreover, connecting the upper cover 10 and the lower cover 20 by welding can enhance the strength and sealing of the connection between the upper cover 10 and the lower cover 20.

[0046] Furthermore, the camera assembly also includes a sealing device, which is located between the connector 80 and the lower cover 20. This sealing device can prevent external impurities such as rainwater, fog, and dust from entering the camera assembly through the interface gap, thus protecting the internal circuitry and optical components and improving the overall service life of the camera assembly.

[0047] An embodiment of this utility model also includes a vehicle, which includes a vehicle body and the aforementioned camera assembly, wherein the camera assembly is connected to the vehicle body.

[0048] In this embodiment, the camera assembly is connected to the vehicle body. In harsh environments such as low temperature, rain, snow, and fog, the camera assembly can quickly defog, defrost, and de-ice to ensure image clarity. In usage scenarios such as assisted driving, reversing camera, surround view monitoring, and electronic rearview mirror, it provides stable and reliable visual information and reduces the risk of accidents.

[0049] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0050] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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 on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0052] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A camera assembly, characterized in that, The camera component includes: The upper cover (10) and the lower cover (20) have an opening, and the upper cover (10) is fastened to the opening. The upper cover (10) and the lower cover (20) cooperate with each other to form a receiving cavity (91). The lens (30) is integrally formed on the upper cover (10); A heating device (40) is disposed in the receiving cavity (91) and installed in the lower cover (20), and the heating device (40) is capable of heating the lens (30).

2. The camera assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera assembly also includes a heat-conducting device (50), which is disposed in the receiving cavity (91) and abuts against the heating device (40) and the lower cover (20) respectively.

3. The camera assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera assembly also includes a control board (60) located within the receiving cavity (91) and electrically connected to the heating device (40).

4. The camera assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The camera assembly also includes an image sensor (70), which is disposed on the control board (60) and electrically connected to the control board (60). The image sensor (70) is disposed correspondingly to the lens (30).

5. The camera assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The camera assembly also includes a connector (80) which is detachably mounted on the lower cover (20). One end of the connector (80) is electrically connected to the control board (60), and the other end of the connector (80) is used for electrical connection to external devices.

6. The camera assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control board (60) is located on the side of the heating device (40) near the upper cover (10). The control board (60) and the heating device (40) are spaced apart. The connector (80) is located below the control board (60). The heating device (40) is located on the outer periphery of the connector (80).

7. The camera assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens (30) includes a lens body (31), an outer lens (32) and a plurality of inner lenses (33). The lens body (31) has a mounting cavity (311). The lens body (31) is integrally formed on the upper cover (10). The mounting cavity (311) extends away from the lower cover (20). The outer lens (32) is mounted on the end of the lens body (31) away from the lower cover (20). The plurality of inner lenses (33) are spaced apart in the receiving cavity (91).

8. The camera assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A metal fusion layer (92) is formed at the weld joint of the upper cover (10) and the lower cover (20), and the upper cover (10) and the lower cover (20) are welded through the metal fusion layer (92).

9. The camera assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The camera assembly also includes a sealing device disposed between the connector (80) and the lower cover (20).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a vehicle body and a camera assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the camera assembly being connected to the vehicle body.

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