Image capturing module

An image capturing module including a casing, a camera unit disposed in the casing, a circuit board device connected to the camera unit and disposed in the casing, and a heat dissipation device. The circuit board device includes a circuit board unit disposed at a periphery of the camera unit and including a functional module. The heat dissipation device includes a heat sink attached on a surface of the functional module for dissipating heat from the functional module.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of image capturing and, in particular, to an image capturing module for aerial photography.

BACKGROUND

Many image capturing modules, for example, cameras, surveillance cameras, and the like, have a trend of becoming more compact and miniaturized. A conventional image capturing module usually includes a lens module for obtaining an optical image and a circuit board coupled to the lens module. The circuit board includes a plurality of functional modules for implementing different functions, such as a photoelectric converting module, an image processing module, an image transmitting module, a power supply module, a control module, and the like. The functional modules usually generate heat during operation. Since a volume of the image capturing module is limited, the functional modules need to be integrated within a small and closed space of the image capturing module. Therefore, the heat generated by the functional modules is difficult to be dissipated effectively and timely. If the heat is accumulated to a certain extent, the performance of the functional modules will be impacted, and the overall performance of the image capturing module will be impacted. A damage to the image capturing module can also occur in severe cases.

SUMMARY

In view of this, it is needed to provide an image capturing module capable of dissipating heat effectively.

In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an image capturing module including a casing, a camera unit disposed in the casing, a circuit board device connected to the camera unit and disposed in the casing, and a heat dissipation device. The circuit board device includes a circuit board unit disposed at a periphery of the camera unit and including a functional module. The heat dissipation device includes a heat sink attached on a surface of the functional module for dissipating heat from the functional module.

In some embodiments, the image capturing module further includes a support frame having a hollow frame-shaped structure with a receiving portion formed inside. The camera unit is received in the receiving portion, and the circuit board unit is disposed at a side portion of the support frame.

In some embodiments, the casing includes a first housing body, a second housing body connected to the first housing, a front enclosure, and a back enclosure. The first housing body, the second housing body, the front enclosure, and the back enclosure jointly encloses a receiving space for receiving the camera unit, the circuit board device, and the heat dissipation device.

In some embodiments, the casing includes a first hole corresponding to the front enclosure and in communication with the receiving space and a second hole corresponding to the back enclosure and in communication with the receiving space. The front enclosure is disposed at a position of the first hole and closes the first hole. The back enclosure is disposed at a position of the second hole and closes the second hole.

In some embodiments, the casing includes a first snap portion formed at a periphery of the first hole and a second snap portion formed at a periphery of the second hole. The front enclosure includes a third snap portion corresponding to the first snap portion. The back enclosure includes a fourth snap portion corresponding to the second snap portion. The front enclosure is connected to the casing through the first snap portion and the third snap portion, and the back enclosure is connected to the casing through the second snap portion and the fourth snap portion.

In some embodiments, the first snap portion and the second snap portion each includes a snap groove configuration. The third snap portion includes a first sheet-like protrusion protruding from a side edge of the front enclosure. The fourth snap portion includes a second sheet-like protrusion protruding from the back enclosure.

In some embodiments, the first hole and the second hole are provided at a joint of the first housing body and the second housing body.

In some embodiments, the first hole and the second hole include circular holes, and a line connecting circle centers of the first hole and the second hole is located on an optical axis of the camera unit.

In some embodiments, the first housing body includes a plurality of first connecting portions formed on an inner wall of the first housing body. The second housing body includes a plurality of second connecting portions formed on an inner wall of the second housing body. Each of the second connection portions is aligned with one of the second connecting portions. The first housing body and the second housing body are fixedly connected to each other through the first connecting portions and the second connecting portions.

In some embodiments, the first connecting portions and the second connecting portions include pillars each having an internally threaded hole.

In some embodiments, each of the second connecting portions penetrates through an outer surface of the second housing body to form a corresponding opening on the second housing body.

In some embodiments, the casing further includes a ventilating window in communication with the receiving space and for ventilating the receiving space.

In some embodiments, the ventilating window is formed at a position on the casing close to the front enclosure.

In some embodiments, the ventilating window includes a first opening portion and a second opening portion connected to the first opening portion. The second opening portion is arranged farther away from the front enclosure than the first opening portion. The second opening portion includes an opening inclined relative to an optical axis of the camera unit and oriented towards the front enclosure.

In some embodiments, a profile of the second opening portion is in a shape of an arc. A top of the are is further away from the optical axis of the camera unit than a bottom of the arc.

In some embodiments, the ventilating window is a first ventilating window. The back enclosure includes a second ventilating window in communication with the receiving space.

In some embodiments, the second ventilating window includes a plurality of arced holes, a plurality of square holes, and a circular hole. The circular hole is formed at a central position of the back enclosure, and the arced holes and the square holes are formed surrounding the circular hole.

In some embodiments, the circular hole and the square holes are disposed spaced apart from each other.

In some embodiments, the circuit board unit includes a first rigid board, a second rigid board, a third rigid board, and a fourth rigid board, a plurality of flexible boards connecting the first, second, third, and fourth rigid boards, and a plurality of functional modules each arranged on one of the rigid boards. The first, second, third, and fourth rigid boards are disposed on different side portions of the camera unit by bending the flexible boards. The second rigid board is disposed on a side of the camera unit facing the first ventilating window. The fourth rigid board is disposed on a side of the camera unit facing the second ventilating window.

In some embodiments, the functional module on the second rigid board includes a central processor.

In some embodiments, the functional module on the fourth rigid board includes an image processor.

In some embodiments, the heat sink is a first heat sink disposed on the second rigid board and connected to the functional module on the second rigid board. The heat dissipation device further includes a second heat sink disposed on the fourth rigid board and connected to the functional module on the fourth rigid board.

In some embodiments, the image capturing module further includes heat conduction fillers filled between the first heat sink and the functional module on the second rigid board, and between the second heat sink and the functional module on the fourth rigid board.

In some embodiments, the heat conduction fillers include heat conduction gels.

In some embodiments, a material of the first heat sink and the second heat sink includes copper or aluminum.

In some embodiments, a material of the first heat sink and the second heat sink includes ceramic.

In some embodiments, the first heat sink includes a base and a plurality of heat dissipation fins formed on the base. The base is connected to the functional module on the second rigid board.

In some embodiments, the plurality of heat dissipation fins are arranged parallel to each other on the base, and an extending direction of each of the heat dissipation fins is parallel to an optical axis of the camera unit.

In some embodiments, the base and the heat dissipation fins are a first base and first heat dissipation fins, respectively. The second heat sink includes a second base and a plurality of second heat dissipation fins formed on the second base. The second base is connected to the functional module on the fourth rigid board.

In some embodiments, the plurality of second heat dissipation fins are arranged parallel to each other on the second base. The second heat dissipation fins are parallel to the first heat dissipation fins and an extending direction of each of the second heat dissipation fins is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera unit.

In some embodiments, the circuit board unit includes a plurality of rigid boards and at least one flexible board connecting the rigid boards. The rigid boards are disposed on different side portions of the camera unit by bending the flexible boards. The functional module is arranged on one of the rigid boards.

In some embodiments, the heat dissipation device further includes a heat dissipation fan connected to the casing and for driving air within the casing to flow.

In some embodiments, the heat dissipation fan includes a fan body and a fixing member. The fixing member fixes the fan body on the basing.

In some embodiments, the heat dissipation fan includes a reinforcing member disposed on the fixing member across a center opening of the fixing member.

Compared to the existing technologies, the image capturing module may dissipate heat of the circuit board device with the heat dissipation device. Therefore, heat accumulation within the image capturing module may be prevented effectively, ensuring the performance of the functional modules and the overall performance of the image capturing module.

REFERENCE NUMBERS OF ELEMENTS

Embodiments consistent with the disclosure will be described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1-6, an image capturing module100in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a casing10, a camera unit20disposed in the casing10, a circuit board device30, and a heat dissipation device40. In some embodiments, the image capturing module100may be a photographic device used for aerial photography, which can be controlled remotely to perform an aerial photography and can transmit a captured image wirelessly to a receiving device on the ground (not shown).

The casing10includes a first housing body11, a second housing body12connected to the first housing body11, a front enclosure13, and a back enclosure14. The first housing body11, the second housing body12, the front enclosure13, and the back enclosure14jointly enclose a receiving space101for receiving the camera unit20and the circuit board device30. In some embodiments, the casing10including the first housing body11, the second housing body12, the front enclosure13, and the back enclosure14is approximately in a spherical shape. Of course, the casing10can also be in another shape, such as a cuboidal shape, a pyramidal shape, or another polyhedral shape.

The casing10has a first hole102corresponding to the front enclosure13and a second hole103corresponding to the back enclosure14. Both the first hole102and the second hole103are in communication with the receiving space101. The first hole102and the second hole103are located on two opposite sides of the casing10, respectively. In some embodiments, both the first hole102and the second hole103are provided at a joint of the first housing body11and the second housing body12. That is, a portion of the first hole102is provided on the first housing body11and another portion of the first hole102is provided on the second housing body12. A portion of the second hole103is provided on the first housing body11and another portion of the second hole103is provided on the second housing body12. In some embodiments, the first hole102can be provided only on the first housing body11or on the second housing body12. In some embodiments, the second hole103can be provided only on the first housing body11or on the second housing body12.

In some embodiments, both the first hole102and the second hole103are circular holes. A line connecting a circle center of the first hole102and a circle center of the second hole103is located on an optical axis of the camera unit20. In other embodiments, the first hole102and the second hole103can have other shapes.

A plurality of first connecting portions111for connecting to the second housing body12are formed on an inner wall of the first housing body11. A plurality of second connecting portions121corresponding to the first connecting portions111and a plurality of third connecting portions122for connecting to the circuit board device30are formed on an inner wall of the second housing body12. The first housing body11and the second housing body12are connected together through matching between the first connecting portions111and the second connecting portions121. In some embodiments, the first connecting portions111, the second connecting portions121, and the third connecting portions122include pillars each having an internally threaded hole. Each one of the second connecting portions121penetrates through an outer surface of the second housing body12, forming a corresponding opening1211.

The casing10further includes a mounting portion17used for mounting the image capturing module100on a carrying apparatus such as a gimbal (not shown). In some embodiments, the mounting portion17is formed at a joint of the first housing body11and the second housing body12. That is, a part of the mounting portion17is formed on the first housing body11and another part of the mounting portion17is formed on the second housing body12. It can be understood that, the mounting portion17may be formed entirely on the first housing body11or entirely on the second housing body12.

The casing10further includes a first snap portion1S formed at a periphery of the first hole102and a second snap portion16formed at a periphery of the second hole103. In some embodiments, the first snap portion15and the second snap portion16both have a snap groove configuration. Specifically, the first snap portion15includes two snap groove structures that are spaced apart from each other. One of the two snap groove structures is formed on the first housing body11and the other one of the two snap groove structures is formed on the second housing body12. The second snap portion16has a configuration similar to that of the first snap portion15, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The casing10further includes a first ventilating window104in communication with the receiving space101. The first ventilating window104is formed at a position on the spherical casing10that is close to the front enclosure13. The first ventilating window104includes a first opening portion1041close to the front enclosure13and a second opening portion1042away from the front enclosure13and connected to the first opening portion1041. The second opening portion1042is inclined relative to the line connecting the circle centers of the first hole102and the second hole103, and faces towards the front enclosure13. A profile of the second opening portion1042is approximately in a shape of an arc. A top of the arc is positioned away from the line connecting the circle centers of the first hole102and the second hole103.

In the example shown in the drawings, the first ventilating window104is formed on the first housing body11. It can be understood that, a position of the first ventilating window104may vary as appropriate. For example, the first ventilating window104can be formed on the second housing body12or at a border between the first housing body11and the second housing body12.

A shape and a size of the front enclosure13and those of the back enclosure14correspond to a shape and a size of the first hole102and those of the second hole103, respectively. The front enclosure13includes a third snap portion131corresponding to the first snap portion15. The back enclosure14includes a fourth snap portion141corresponding to the second snap portion16. In some embodiments, the third snap portion131includes a sheet-like protrusion protruding from a side edge of the front enclosure13. The fourth snap portion141includes a sheet-like protrusion protruding from the back enclosure14. A second ventilating window142in communication with the receiving space101is formed on the back enclosure14. In some embodiments, the second ventilating window142includes a plurality of arced holes1421, a plurality of square holes1422, and a circular hole1423. The circular hole1423is formed at a central position of the back enclosure14. The arced holes1421and the square holes1422are formed surrounding the circular hole1423. The circular hole1423is arranged to be spaced apart from the square holes1422. A plurality of first connecting posts143and a plurality of second connecting posts144are formed on the back enclosure14. In some embodiments, the first connecting posts143include pillars each having a threaded hole formed therein.

The camera unit20includes an optical lens21and an image sensing module22arranged at an imaging side of the optical lens21. The optical lens21is configured to acquire an optical image. The image sensing module22is configured to sense the optical image acquired by the optical lens21and to perform a photoelectric conversion. In some embodiments, the image sensing module22includes an image sensing module of a Charge-coupled Device (CCD) type or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) type.

The circuit board device30includes a circuit board unit31and a support frame32. The circuit board unit31includes a plurality of rigid boards311and a plurality of flexible boards312connecting the rigid boards311. Each one of the rigid boards311is provided with a corresponding functional module3111thereon. The functional modules3111on different rigid boards311are configured to implement different functions of the image capturing module100. In some embodiments, there are four rigid boards311, i.e., a first rigid board311a, a second rigid board311b, a third rigid board311c, and a fourth rigid board311d. The second rigid board311b, the third rigid board311c, and the fourth rigid board311dare disposed on different sides of the first rigid board311a, respectively, and are connected to the first rigid board311athrough one of the flexible boards312. Specifically, the corresponding functional module3111on the second rigid board311bincludes a central processor, and the corresponding functional module3111on the fourth rigid board311dincludes an image processor. The central processor and the image processor can generate heat during operation and can be the main heat-generating elements on the circuit board device30. In addition, the functional modules3111on the first rigid board311aand the third rigid boards311ccan have different functions in accordance with specific requirements. Such functions can be, for example, image transmission, power management, and/or gimbal control.

It can be understood that, the number of the rigid boards311can vary in accordance with different actual requirements, and is not limited to that in the present embodiment.

The flexible boards312include flexible circuit boards containing bendable circuits therein. Thus, the flexible boards312can connect different rigid boards311to each other mechanically and electrically. In addition, different rigid boards311connected by a flexible board312can be bent relative to each other at a predetermined angle.

The support frame32is approximately in a shape of a hollow polyhedral frame, with a receiving portion320formed inside the frame. In some embodiments, the support frame32is substantially in a shape of a hexahedral frame. A plurality of fourth connecting portions321corresponding to the third connecting portions122are arranged on a periphery of the support frame32. In some embodiments, each one of the fourth connecting portions321includes a sheet-like structure protruding from the periphery of the support frame32, and includes a connecting hole3211.

The heat dissipation device40includes a first heat sink41, a second heat sink42, and a heat dissipation fan43. The first heat sink41and the second heat sink42are made from a material with a good thermal conduction performance. Specifically, the material of the first heat sink41and the second heat sink42can be a metallic material such as copper or aluminum, or a non-metallic material such as ceramic. The first heat sink41includes a first base411and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins412formed on the first base411. The plurality of first heat dissipation fins412are arranged parallel to each other on the first base411. The second heat sink42has a structure similar to that of the first heat sink41, and includes a second base421and a plurality of second heat dissipation fins422formed on the second base421. The plurality of second heat dissipation fins422are arranged parallel to each other on the second base421.

It can be understood that, in addition to the first heat sink41and the second heat sink42, the heat dissipation device40can include other similar heat sinks to dissipate heat generated by the circuit board device30in different situations.

The heat dissipation fan43is configured to facilitate an air movement within the casing10. The heat dissipation fan43includes a fan body431and a fixing member432. A plurality of connecting holes4311corresponding to the second connecting posts144are formed on the fan body431. In some embodiments, the fan body431is approximately in a square shape and has two connecting holes4311. The two connecting holes4311are located at opposite ends of a diagonal of the fan body431. The fan body431includes blades (not shown) inside the fan body431for facilitating air movement. The blades can generate an air flow when rotating. The fixing member432is approximately in a flat plate-like structure, and a central opening4321, a plurality of first through holes4322corresponding to the first connecting posts143, and a plurality of second through holes4323corresponding to the second connecting posts144are formed on the fixing member432. The heat dissipation fan43further includes a reinforcing member433. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member433is approximately in a long strip shape. A third through hole4331is formed at each end of the reinforcing member433. The reinforcing member433is disposed on the fixing member432across the central opening4321. Each one of the third through holes4331is aligned with a corresponding second through hole4323.

Referring toFIGS. 3, 5, and 6, during assembly, the camera unit20is assembled into the receiving portion320of the support frame32and fixed on the support frame32. The rigid boards311are disposed on different sides of the support frame32, respectively. Specifically, the fourth rigid board311dis disposed on a side of the support frame32opposite to the optical lens21of the camera unit20.

After the camera unit20and the circuit board unit31are disposed on the support frame32, the image sensing module22of the camera unit20can be electrically coupled to the circuit board unit31using a patch cord (not shown).

The first heat sink41is disposed on the second rigid board311b. Specifically, the first base411is connected to the functional module3111of the second rigid board311b. An extending direction of each one of the first heat dissipation fins412is parallel to the optical axis of the camera unit20. In some embodiments, a thermal conduction filler60is filled between surfaces of the first base411and the functional module3111to increase a contact stability and a thermal conduction efficiency between the first base411and the functional module3111. The thermal conduction filler60can include a thermal conduction gel. The second heat sink42is disposed on the fourth rigid board311d. Specifically, the second base421is connected to the functional module3111of the fourth rigid board311d. Each one of the second heat dissipation fins422is parallel to the first heat dissipation fins412. An extending direction of each one of the second heat dissipation fins422is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera unit20. A thermal conduction filler70is filled between surfaces of the second base421and the functional module3111.

After the camera unit20is assembled with the circuit board device30, the support frame32is disposed within the receiving space101of the casing10. The optical lens21is oriented towards the first hole102. The first heat sink41is located at a side of the casing10that has the first ventilating window104. The fourth connecting portions321are aligned with respective third connecting portions122. In some embodiments, each one of the fourth connecting portions321and a corresponding connecting portion122are connected by a fastener50, to fix the support frame32within the casing10. The first housing body11and the second housing body12are snapped together, where the first connecting portions111are aligned with respective second connecting portions121. Thereafter, the first connecting portions111and the second connecting portions121are connected together using bolts (not shown) inserted in the openings1211, such that the first housing body11and the second housing body12are fixedly connected with each other. In addition, the first housing body11and the second housing body can, after being snapped together, be further fixed and sealed using glue (not shown) or the like.

The heat dissipation fan43is disposed on the back enclosure14. The fan body431is located between the back enclosure14and the fixing member432. The connecting holes4311of the fan body431, the second through holes4323of the fixing member432, and the second connecting posts144of the back enclosure14are respectively aligned. The first through holes4322of the fixing member432and the first connecting posts143of the back enclosure14are respectively aligned. The fixing member432is connected to the first connecting posts143of the back enclosure14through fasteners80inserted in the first through holes4322. Likewise, the fixing member432and the fan body431are connected to the second connecting posts144of the back enclosure14through fasteners (not shown) inserted sequentially in the second through holes4323and corresponding connecting holes4311.

The front enclosure13closes the first hole102. The third snap portion131and the first snap portion15are snapped together. The back enclosure14closes the second hole103. The fourth snap portion141and the second snap portion16are snapped together.

Referring toFIG. 3andFIG. 6, when the image capturing module100operates, the functional modules3111on the circuit board unit31may generate heat. The first heat sink41dissipates the heat generated by the functional module3111on the second rigid board311b. The second heat sink42dissipates the heat generated by the functional module3111on the fourth rigid board311d. The heat dissipation fan43is turned on to draw an air flow into the receiving space101of the casing10through the first ventilating window104. The arc-shaped profile of the second opening portion1042of the first ventilating window104can facilitate the entry of the air flow into the casing10. Moreover, when the image capturing module10is carried by an aerial vehicle (not shown) and moves, even if the heat dissipation fan43is not provided, the second opening portion1042can still cause the air flow to enter the receiving space101and flow to the second ventilating window142along the first heat sink41. Thus, the heat dissipation air flow can be accelerated, and a heat dissipation effect can be improved. The heat dissipation fan43causes a portion of the air flow to flow within a space between the first heat sink41and the first housing body11and towards the second heat sink42. When passing through the first heat dissipation fins412, this portion of air flow can take away the heat absorbed by the first heat sink41. Another portion of the air flow moves within a space between the third rigid board311cand the second housing body12and towards the second heat sink42. When passing through the third rigid board311c, this portion of air flow can take away the heat generated by the corresponding functional module3111. The heat dissipation fan43causes the two portions of air flow to converge at the second heat sink42and to take away the heat absorbed by the second heat sink42. The heat dissipation fan43exhausts the air converged at the second heat sink42out of the casing10of the image capturing module100through the second ventilating window142. In addition, a portion of the heat within the casing10can rise to the top of the casing10through hot air. Therefore, the first ventilating window104provided on the top of the casing10can dissipate the heat to the environment as quickly as possible.

The image capturing module100utilizes the heat dissipation device40to dissipate the heat from the circuit board device30. As such, heat accumulation within the image capturing module100can be prevented effectively, ensuring the performance of the functional modules3111and the overall performance of the image capturing module100.

It can be understood that, those skilled in the art can make a design including other variations within the spirit of the present disclosure, as long as it does not depart from the technical effect of the present disclosure. These variations made according to the spirit of the disclosure shall all fall into the scope of the present disclosure.