A camera module

Abstract

This application discloses a camera module, including: a lens group defining an optical axis; a lens retainer ring surrounding the lens group, the lens retainer ring including a first mating surface near the object side of the lens group, the first mating surface having an annular and recessed mounting groove; the lens retainer ring having a plurality of openings communicating with the mounting groove on its inner side near the lens group; and a top cover opposite to the first mating surface of the lens retainer ring, thereby forming an accommodating space between the top cover and the mounting groove, suitable for containing cleaning fluid. This application, by providing a mounting groove inside the lens retainer ring to accommodate cleaning fluid, allows the cleaning fluid to be sprayed onto the upper surface of the lens group, thereby cleaning the object side surface of the lens group, further removing contaminants adhering to the lens group surface, and increasing the imaging quality of the camera module. Furthermore, since the mounting groove is located inside the lens retainer ring between the top cover, the structural sealing and reliability are increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of camera modules, and more particularly to a camera module. Background Technology

[0002] In modern electronic devices and optical systems, camera modules are widely used in various environments. With the rapid development of autonomous driving technology, vehicle-mounted camera modules, as one of the most critical visual sensors, directly determine the accuracy and reliability of environmental perception, image recognition, and decision-making algorithms. Currently, with the continuous improvement of autonomous driving levels, vehicle-mounted camera modules need to have better operational stability in various complex working conditions. In particular, wide-angle camera modules used for surround-view monitoring, blind spot monitoring, and lane change assistance are usually installed at low positions and are highly susceptible to contamination from mud, dust, oil, and insects. Once the cleanliness of the lens deteriorates, the quality of the acquired images will deteriorate sharply, resulting in serious risks such as misidentification and missed identification, directly threatening driving safety.

[0003] However, existing external, independent cleaning components require redesigning and remolding the vehicle's exterior trim to integrate nozzles and water channels. This disrupts the vehicle's overall aesthetics and increases assembly complexity and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the distance between the nozzle and lens is significant, resulting in low cleaning fluid utilization and potential splashing, leading to incomplete cleaning. Integrating the cleaning water channels directly into the camera module's housing would increase its overall size. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a camera module that offers excellent cleaning convenience, operational stability, and a compact footprint. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this application is to provide a camera module that improves the imaging quality and performance of the camera module.

[0005] Another objective of this application is to provide a camera module that improves the ease of operation for cleaning lenses.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: a camera module, comprising: a lens group defining an optical axis; a lens retaining ring surrounding the outer periphery of the lens group, the lens retaining ring including a first mating surface located near the object side of the lens group, the first mating surface having an annular and recessed mounting groove; the lens retaining ring having a plurality of openings communicating with the mounting groove on its inner side near the lens group; and a top cover disposed opposite to the first mating surface of the lens retaining ring, thereby forming an accommodating space between the top cover and the mounting groove, suitable for containing cleaning fluid.

[0007] In some embodiments, the camera module includes a cleaning head disposed at the opening, one end of the cleaning head extending into the opening and the other end protruding from the inner side of the lens retaining ring, the cleaning head being integrally formed with the lens retaining ring. The camera module includes a cleaning head that extends into the opening and protrudes from the inner side of the lens retaining ring, the cleaning head being integrally formed with the lens retaining ring.

[0008] In some embodiments, the camera module includes a cleaning section, which includes a cleaning section body and a plurality of cleaning heads. Each cleaning head is circumferentially spaced on the cleaning section body near the lens group. The cleaning section body is accommodated in the mounting groove. Each cleaning head extends into an opening and protrudes from the inner side of the lens retaining ring.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cleaning heads are spaced apart from the cleaning body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lens retaining ring includes a first retaining ring and a second retaining ring arranged from top to bottom. The first mating surface is the top surface of the first retaining ring. The inner side surface of the first retaining ring is provided with the opening. The inner side surface of the first retaining ring protrudes inward from the inner sidewall of the second retaining ring. The bottom of the inner side surface of the first retaining ring and the top of the inner sidewall of the second retaining ring are connected by a connecting surface. The lens assembly includes a protrusion. The circumferential surface of the protrusion abuts against the connecting surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion abuts against the inner side surface of the second retaining ring.

[0011] In some embodiments, the lens assembly further includes a fixing portion, the radial width of which is smaller than that of the protrusion, and a gap is formed between the side surface of the fixing portion, the lower surface of the protrusion, and the inner side surface of the second pressure ring; the camera module further includes a lens barrel, which is disposed within the gap to clamp the lens assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lens barrel includes a clamping portion disposed within the gap and a second mating surface opposite to the fixing portion. The outer side of the second mating surface has an annular and recessed mounting groove. The outer side wall of the mounting groove is connected to the inner side of the clamping portion, so that the lens barrel is clamped between the lens group and the lens retaining ring.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cleaning unit includes a supply end connected to a cleaning fluid storage device, adapted to deliver cleaning fluid. The supply end is connected to the lower part of the main body of the cleaning unit along the optical axis. The bottom surface of the mounting groove is provided with a clearance hole, which passes through the lens retaining ring along the optical axis. The supply end is fitted inside the clearance hole.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cleaning unit includes a pressurizing unit connected to the liquid supply end, which is adapted to pressurize the cleaning liquid.

[0015] In some embodiments, the radial width of the top cover is not less than the radial width from the outer side of the lens retaining ring to the inner end of the opening.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: (1) This application provides a mounting groove inside the lens retainer that can hold cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid can be sprayed from the opening on the inner side of the lens retainer toward the upper surface of the lens group, thereby cleaning the object-side surface of the lens group and further removing contaminants attached to the lens group surface, thus increasing the imaging quality of the camera module. On the other hand, since the mounting groove is located inside the lens retainer and between the top cover, the structural sealing and reliability can be increased, further improving the performance and stability of the camera module.

[0017] (2) By setting the openings or cleaning heads for releasing cleaning liquid at intervals along the circumference, this application can increase the spray area of ​​the cleaning liquid, forming a fan-shaped atomized liquid curtain with a large coverage area and uniform cleaning power, thereby further improving the cleaning efficiency and water-saving ability of the camera module. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of some exemplary camera modules in this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of some exemplary camera modules in this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of some exemplary camera modules in this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of some of the exemplary camera modules in this application.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a portion of some exemplary cleaning sections in this application.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Camera module; 10. Lens retaining ring; 11. First mating surface; 111. Mounting groove; 112. Clearance hole; 113. Welding part; 12. Opening; 13. First retaining ring; 14. Second retaining ring; 15. Connecting surface; 20. Lens group; 21. First lens; 22. Second lens; 23. Third lens; 24. Protrusion; 25. Fixing part; 26. Gap; 30. Lens barrel; 31. Clamping part; 32. Second mating surface; 33. Assembly groove; 40. Top cover; 50. Cleaning part; 51. Cleaning part body; 52. Cleaning head; 53. Liquid supply end; 54. Pressurizing part; 60. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., which indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and 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 should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this application.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0027] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and claims of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0028] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: a camera module 1, comprising: a lens group 20 defining an optical axis; a lens retaining ring 10, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the lens group 20, the lens retaining ring 10 including a first mating surface 11 provided on the object side near the lens group 20, the first mating surface 11 having an annular and recessed mounting groove 111; the lens retaining ring 10 having a plurality of openings 12 communicating with the mounting groove 111 on the inner side near the lens group 20; and a top cover 40, which is disposed opposite to the first mating surface 11 of the lens retaining ring 10, thereby forming an accommodating space between the top cover 40 and the mounting groove 111, suitable for containing cleaning fluid.

[0029] It is worth mentioning that this application provides a mounting groove 111 inside the lens retainer 10 to hold cleaning fluid. This allows the cleaning fluid to be sprayed from the opening 12 on the inner side of the lens retainer 10 onto the upper surface of the lens group 20, thereby cleaning the object-side surface of the lens group 20 and further removing contaminants adhering to the surface of the lens group 20, thus improving the imaging quality of the camera module 1. Furthermore, since the mounting groove 111 is located inside the lens retainer 10 and between the lens retainer 10 and the top cover 40, it increases structural sealing and reliability, further enhancing the performance and stability of the camera module 1.

[0030] In some embodiments, the upper cover 40 and the lens retaining ring 10 are laser welded together. The lens retaining ring 10 has an annular welding part 113 on the outside of the mounting groove 111. The welding part 113 is laser welded to the main body of the lens retaining ring 10 to improve the connection stability of the structure.

[0031] In some embodiments, the radial width of the upper cover 40 is not less than the radial width from the outer side of the lens retaining ring 10 to the cleaning fluid release point, wherein the cleaning fluid release point can be an opening 12 and / or a cleaning head 52. That is, in the optical axis direction, the projection of the upper cover 40 can cover the projection of the lens retaining ring 10 and the cleaning fluid release point, so the cleaning fluid release point can be hidden inside the upper cover 40 in the optical axis direction. This not only integrates the flow channel structure of the cleaning fluid inside the lens retaining ring 10, but also avoids the need to add through holes or protruding parts to the surface when the camera module 1 provided in this application is applied to the automotive exterior industry, thus maintaining the original stylish and smooth appearance design of the whole vehicle and further enhancing the user experience.

[0032] In some embodiments, a micron-sized opening 12 can be drilled on the inner side of the lens retainer 10 using precision CNC machining technology, allowing cleaning fluid to flow from the mounting groove 111 to the opening 12 and be released from the opening 12 toward the object-side surface of the lens assembly 20. On the other hand, by not providing additional components for spraying cleaning fluid, it is beneficial to reduce production costs and further enhance the economic benefits of the camera module 1.

[0033] In at least one specific embodiment, the diameter of the opening 12 gradually decreases from the side away from the lens group 20 to the side closer to the lens group 20. By setting the conical opening 12, the cleaning fluid can be released more quickly, forming a fan-shaped atomized liquid curtain with a large coverage area and uniform impact force, further increasing the cleaning uniformity. On the other hand, the orientation of the opening 12 can be precisely calculated so that the cleaning fluid is accurately sprayed toward the upper surface of the lens group 20. That is, by setting a plurality of openings 12 with precisely set spray positions, it can be ensured that the cleaning fluid can cover the entire field of view area of ​​the lens group 20, which helps to reduce impurities adhering to the surface of the lens group 20 and further improves the imaging quality of the camera module 1.

[0034] In at least one specific embodiment, the openings 12 are equally spaced on the inner side of the lens retaining ring 10. It should be understood that by arranging the openings 12 for releasing cleaning liquid at circumferential intervals, it is beneficial to increase the spray area of ​​the cleaning liquid, forming a fan-shaped atomized liquid curtain with a large coverage area and uniform cleaning power, thereby further improving the cleaning efficiency and water-saving capability of the camera module 1.

[0035] In some embodiments, the camera module 1 includes a cleaning head 52 disposed at the opening 12. One end of the cleaning head 52 extends into the opening 12, and the other end protrudes from the inner surface of the lens retaining ring 10. The cleaning head 52 is integrally formed with the lens retaining ring 10. The camera module 1 includes a cleaning head 52 that extends into the opening 12 and protrudes from the inner surface of the lens retaining ring 10. The cleaning head 52 is integrally formed with the lens retaining ring 10. It is understood that integrally forming the cleaning head 52 with the lens retaining ring 10 helps to increase structural stability and consistency.

[0036] In at least one specific embodiment, the independently manufactured cleaning head 52 extending into the opening 12 can be made of engineering plastics with good chemical resistance and high precision, such as polyphenylene sulfide, and is injection molded onto the inner side of the lens retaining ring 10. It should be understood that the injection-molded cleaning head 52 can have a vortex flow channel inside, so that when the cleaning fluid is sprayed out, it forms a fan-shaped atomized liquid curtain with a large coverage area and uniform cleaning force, which is beneficial to improving cleaning efficiency and water conservation. It is understood that using mature processes such as injection molding is beneficial to improving the reliability of the structure, has the potential for large-scale production, and reduces production costs.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2-4 As can be seen, the camera module 1 includes a cleaning section 50, which includes a cleaning section body 51 and a plurality of cleaning heads 52. Each cleaning head 52 is circumferentially spaced on the side near the lens group 20 and disposed on the cleaning section body 51. The cleaning section body 51 is housed in a mounting groove 111, and each cleaning head 52 extends into an opening 12 and protrudes from the inner side of the lens retaining ring 10. By placing the annular cleaning section body 51 in the mounting groove 111, the space utilization rate inside the camera module 1 is increased. Furthermore, by making the cleaning heads 52 protrude from the cleaning section body 51 and extend into the opening 12 so that they protrude from the inner side of the lens retaining ring 10, the cleaning fluid can flow only inside the cleaning section 50, which helps to prevent the cleaning fluid from seeping and flowing in the internal structure of the camera module 1, further increasing the stability of the camera module 1 in use.

[0038] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5It can be seen that the cleaning heads 52 are spaced apart on the main body 51 of the cleaning unit. The spacing angle of the cleaning heads 52 can be flexibly adjusted according to the installation position and angle of the camera module 1 and the size of the lens group 20, and there is no limit to the specific spacing angle.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cleaning heads 52 are spaced at equal angles on the cleaning body 51, with the spacing angle between the cleaning heads 52 being 20° to 60°. By arranging the cleaning heads 52 that release cleaning fluid at circumferential intervals, this application facilitates an increase in the spray area of ​​the cleaning fluid, forming a fan-shaped atomized liquid curtain with a large coverage area and uniform cleaning power, further improving the cleaning efficiency and water-saving capability of the camera module 1. It is understood that the spacing angle between the cleaning heads 52 can be 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, or 60°.

[0040] In some embodiments, the lens retaining ring 10 includes a first retaining ring 13 and a second retaining ring 14 arranged from top to bottom. The first mating surface 11 is the top surface of the first retaining ring 13. The inner side surface of the first retaining ring 13 is provided with an opening 12. The inner side surface of the first retaining ring 13 protrudes inward from the inner sidewall of the second retaining ring 14. The bottom of the inner side surface of the first retaining ring 13 and the top of the inner sidewall of the second retaining ring 14 are connected by a connecting surface 15. The lens group 20 includes a protrusion 24. The circumferential surface of the protrusion 24 abuts against the connecting surface 15, and the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 24 abuts against the inner side surface of the second retaining ring 14. By having the protrusion 24 of the lens group 20 simultaneously abut against the connecting surface 15 and the inner side surface of the second retaining ring 14, the installation stability of the lens group 20 is increased. On the other hand, by increasing the clamping tightness between the lens retaining ring 10 and the lens group 20, the risk of cleaning fluid penetrating into the lens retaining ring 10 and the lens group 20 can be reduced, further increasing the stability of the camera module 1 in use.

[0041] In some embodiments, the lens assembly 20 further includes a fixing portion 25, the radial width of which is smaller than that of the protrusion 24, and a gap 26 is formed between the side surface of the fixing portion 25, the lower surface of the protrusion 24, and the inner surface of the second pressure ring 14; the camera module 1 further includes a lens barrel 30, which is disposed within the gap 26 to clamp the lens assembly 20. By disposing the lens barrel 30 within the gap 26, the connection stability between the lens barrel 30, the lens assembly 20, and the lens pressure ring 10 can be increased, reducing the risk of shaking of the internal components of the camera module 1.

[0042] In some embodiments, the lens barrel 30 includes a clamping portion 31 disposed within the gap 26 and a second mating surface 32 opposite to the fixing portion 25. The outer side of the second mating surface 32 has an annular and recessed mounting groove 33. The outer side wall of the mounting groove 33 is connected to the inner side of the clamping portion 31, so that the lens barrel 30 is clamped between the lens group 20 and the lens retaining ring 10. By disposing the clamping portion 31 within the gap 26, the connection stability between the lens barrel 30, the lens group 20, and the lens retaining ring 10 can be increased, reducing the risk of shaking of the internal components of the camera module 1.

[0043] In some embodiments, the camera module 1 includes a sealing ring 60 disposed inside the assembly groove 33. The sealing ring 60 helps reduce the risk of cleaning fluid seeping into the camera module 1, further improving the stability and performance of the camera module 1.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2-4 As can be seen, the cleaning unit 50 includes a supply end 53 connected to a cleaning fluid storage device (not shown in the figure), suitable for conveying cleaning fluid. The supply end 53 is connected to the lower part of the main body 51 of the cleaning unit along the optical axis. The bottom surface of the mounting groove 111 is provided with a clearance hole 112, which passes through the lens retaining ring 10 along the optical axis. The supply end 53 is assembled inside the clearance hole 112. By placing the supply end 53 inside the lens retaining ring 10, the internal space utilization of the camera module 1 is increased, and the operational stability of the camera module 1 is further improved.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cleaning unit 50 includes a pressurizing unit 54 connected to the liquid supply end 53, which is adapted to pressurize the cleaning fluid. By pressurizing the cleaning fluid in the cleaning unit 50, it is beneficial to spray the cleaning fluid completely and evenly onto the upper surface of the lens assembly 20.

[0046] In some embodiments, the lens group 20 includes a first lens 21 disposed inside the lens retainer 10, a second lens 22 and a third lens 23 disposed from top to bottom inside the lens barrel 30, wherein the first lens 21 is disposed on the outermost side, so the upper surface of the first lens 21 is more likely to be contaminated by dust and other impurities. Spraying cleaning fluid onto the upper surface of the first lens 21 through the cleaning head 52 or the opening 12 helps to increase the cleanliness of the outer surface of the lens group 20 and further improve the imaging quality of the camera module 1.

[0047] In some embodiments, the camera module 1 can analyze the images captured by the camera module 1 in real time based on the image sensor or image recognition algorithm. When it is detected that the image clarity has dropped to a set threshold, such as when the contrast drops to a preset value or when specific stain features appear, a cleaning program will be automatically triggered, which is to spray cleaning liquid onto the upper surface of the first lens 21.

[0048] In some embodiments, the camera module 1 can be applied to the automotive field, and the triggering of the cleaning program can be linked to the vehicle's usage status. For example, a cleaning program is triggered when the driver engages reverse gear or activates the surround view system; a cleaning program can also be triggered when the vehicle is started or turned off; or the cleaning of the corresponding side camera module 1 can be triggered when the turn signal is used or when the side camera module 1 is activated. Furthermore, the driver can manually force the cleaning program to start via an in-vehicle button or the central control screen. By combining image recognition and vehicle signals for intelligent triggering, cleaning of the lens assembly 20 is only performed when needed, which helps to reduce the amount of cleaning fluid used and further improves the intelligence level and service life of the vehicle camera module 1.

[0049] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application have been described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection claimed by this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, include: A lens group defines an optical axis; A lens retainer ring is disposed around the outer periphery of the lens group. The lens retainer ring includes a first mating surface disposed near the object side of the lens group. The first mating surface has an annular and recessed mounting groove. The lens retainer ring has a plurality of openings on its inner side near the lens group that communicate with the mounting groove. The top cover is disposed opposite to the first mating surface of the lens retainer, thereby forming an accommodating space between the top cover and the mounting groove, which is suitable for containing cleaning fluid.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module includes a cleaning head disposed at the opening, one end of the cleaning head extending into the opening and the other end protruding from the inner side of the lens retaining ring, and the cleaning head and the lens retaining ring are integrally formed.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module includes a cleaning section, which includes a cleaning section body and a plurality of cleaning heads. Each cleaning head is circumferentially spaced on the cleaning section body near the lens group. The cleaning section body is housed in the mounting groove. Each cleaning head extends into an opening and protrudes from the inner side of the lens retaining ring.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning heads are spaced apart on the main body of the cleaning section.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens retaining ring includes a first retaining ring and a second retaining ring arranged from top to bottom. The first mating surface is the top surface of the first retaining ring. The inner side of the first retaining ring is provided with the opening. The inner side of the first retaining ring protrudes inward from the inner sidewall of the second retaining ring. The bottom of the inner side of the first retaining ring and the top of the inner sidewall of the second retaining ring are connected by a connecting surface. The lens assembly includes a protrusion. The circumferential surface of the protrusion abuts against the connecting surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion abuts against the inner side of the second retaining ring.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lens assembly further includes a fixing part, the radial width of which is smaller than that of the protrusion, and a gap is formed between the side of the fixing part, the lower surface of the protrusion, and the inner side of the second pressure ring; the camera module further includes a lens barrel, which is disposed within the gap to clamp the lens assembly.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lens barrel includes a clamping part disposed in the gap and a second mating surface opposite to the fixing part. The outer side of the second mating surface has an annular and recessed mounting groove. The outer side wall of the mounting groove is connected to the inner side of the clamping part, so that the lens barrel is clamped between the lens group and the lens retaining ring.

8. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning unit includes a supply end connected to the cleaning fluid storage device, which is suitable for conveying cleaning fluid. The supply end is connected to the lower part of the main body of the cleaning unit along the optical axis. The bottom surface of the mounting groove is provided with a clearance hole, which passes through the lens retaining ring along the optical axis. The supply end is assembled inside the clearance hole.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cleaning unit includes a pressurizing unit connected to the liquid supply end, which is adapted to pressurize the cleaning liquid.

10. The camera module according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The radial width of the top cover is not less than the radial width from the outer side of the lens retaining ring to the inner end of the opening.

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