U.S. patent application number 16/902727 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-01 for image capturing module and lens shade thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Hualiang QIU, Yin TANG, Feihu YANG.
Application Number | 20200310223 16/902727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004899877 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200310223 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TANG; Yin ; et al. |
October 1, 2020 |
IMAGE CAPTURING MODULE AND LENS SHADE THEREOF
Abstract
An image capturing device includes a casing, a lens component
arranged in the casing, and a lens shade disposed directly facing
the lens component. The casing includes an opening and the lens
component includes a lens. The lens extends out from the casing
into the lens shade through the opening of the casing.
Inventors: |
TANG; Yin; (Shenzhen,
CN) ; YANG; Feihu; (Shenzhen, CN) ; QIU;
Hualiang; (Shenzhen, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. |
Shenzhen |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004899877 |
Appl. No.: |
16/902727 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15613229 |
Jun 4, 2017 |
10690999 |
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16902727 |
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PCT/CN2014/092991 |
Dec 4, 2014 |
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15613229 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 2217/002 20130101;
G03B 11/04 20130101; G03B 15/006 20130101; G03B 11/043
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03B 11/04 20060101
G03B011/04; G03B 15/00 20060101 G03B015/00 |
Claims
1. An image capturing device comprising: a casing including an
opening; a lens component arranged in the casing and including a
lens; and a lens shade disposed directly facing the lens component,
the lens shade being configured to couple with the casing via the
opening of the casing, and the lens extending out from the casing
into the lens shade through the opening of the casing.
2. The image capturing device of claim 1, wherein the lens shade
includes: a first bottom surface close to the lens and including a
first light inlet, the first bottom surface being arranged inside
the casing; a second bottom surface disposed opposite to the first
bottom surface and away from the lens, and including a second light
inlet; and a light incoming pathway running through the lens shade
to allow external light to enter the lens, the light incoming
pathway including the first light inlet and the second light
inlet.
3. The image capturing device of claim 2, wherein the lens shade
further includes a retaining wall formed on the first bottom
surface and being perpendicular to the first bottom, a shape and a
size of a space surrounded by the retaining wall matching a shape
and a size of the lens, respectively, and the retaining wall being
configured to limit a position of the lens.
4. The image capturing device of claim 3, wherein the lens extends
out from the casing into the lens shade through an open space
surrounded by the retaining wall.
5. The image capturing device of claim 2, wherein: the second light
inlet has a rectangular or a circular shape; or the first light
inlet has a circular or a race-track shape.
6. The image capturing device of claim 2, wherein a sidewall of the
light incoming pathway includes a slant surface.
7. The image capturing device of claim 2, wherein the second light
inlet has a rectangular shape, and a sidewall of the light incoming
pathway includes four slant surfaces extending from four lateral
sides of the second light inlet towards the first light inlet.
8. The image capturing device of claim 2, wherein: the lens shade
includes a lens shade body and a bottom cover connected to a side
of the lens shade body close to the lens; the light incoming
pathway runs through the lens shade body and the bottom cover; the
first bottom surface includes a surface on one end of the bottom
cover that faces the lens; the lens shade body includes a first end
and a second end, the first end being opposite to the second end
and being further away from the lens than the second end; and the
second bottom surface includes a surface on the first end of the
lens shade body.
9. The image capturing device of claim 8, wherein: the lens shade
forms a hollow casing; a surface on the second end of the lens
shade body includes an opening hole; and a size of the opening hole
is greater than a size of the second light inlet.
10. The image capturing device of claim 9, wherein: a shape and a
size of the bottom cover match a shape and a size of the opening
hole, respectively; the lens shade body includes a first
positioning portion and a first fastening portion formed at the
opening hole; the bottom cover includes a second positioning
portion matching the first positioning portion and a second
fastening portion matching the first fastening portion; and the
first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are
configured to match each other to position the bottom cover, and
the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are
configured to match each other to connect the bottom cover to the
lens shade body.
11. The image capturing device of claim 10, wherein the first
fastening portion includes an elastic arm protruding from a portion
on a sidewall of the lens shade body close to the opening hole, and
the second fastening portion includes a snap slot or a stepped
surface formed on an outer sidewall of the bottom cover and
matching the elastic arm.
12. The image capturing device of claim 10, wherein the first
positioning portion includes a notch disposed at the opening hole,
and the second positioning portion includes a protruding portion
protruding from an outer sidewall of the bottom cover and matching
the notch.
13. The image capturing device of claim 8, wherein: the lens shade
body includes a first fastening portion; the bottom cover includes
a second fastening portion matching the first fastening portion;
and the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion
are configured to match each other to connect the bottom cover to
the lens shade body.
14. The image capturing device of claim 13, wherein the first
fastening portion includes an elastic arm protruding from a
sidewall of the lens shade body, and the second fastening portion
includes a snap slot or a stepped surface formed on an outer
sidewall of the bottom cover and matching the elastic arm.
15. The image capturing device of claim 13, wherein: the lens shade
body includes a first positioning portion; the bottom cover
includes a second positioning portion matching the first
positioning portion; and the first positioning portion and the
second positioning portion are configured to match each other to
position the bottom cover.
16. The image capturing device of claim 15, wherein the first
positioning portion includes a notch formed on the lens shade body,
and the second positioning portion includes a protruding portion
protruding from an outer sidewall of the bottom cover and matching
the notch.
17. The image capturing device of claim 1, further comprising: a
filter component connected at a side of the lens shade opposite to
the lens.
18. The image capturing device of claim 17, wherein: the lens shade
includes a first connecting portion; and the filter component
includes: a filter; and a filter ring including a second connecting
portion matching the first connecting portion, the filter ring
being configured to be connected to the first connecting portion to
mount the filter component to the lens shade.
19. The image capturing device of claim 1, wherein a thickness of
the lens in a direction along an optical axis of the lens is larger
than a thickness of a wall of the casing.
20. An image capturing device comprising: a casing including an
opening; a lens component arranged in the casing and including a
lens; a lens shade disposed directly facing the lens component and
received in the opening of the casing; and a filter arranged at a
side of the lens shade opposite to the lens.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/613,229,
filed on Jun. 4, 2017, which is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/CN2014/092991, filed on Dec. 4, 2014, the
entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an image capturing module
and lens shade thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A lens shade is a device mounted at the front end of a lens
of an image capturing module, such as a photographic lens, a
digital camera, a video camera, or the like, to block unwanted
light. According to their materials, lens shades may be divided
into, for example, metallic lens shades, hard plastic lens shades,
and soft rubber lens shade. According to their shapes, lens shades
may be divided into, for example, cylindrical lens shades,
petal-shaped lens shades, and square lens shades.
[0004] Usually, a conventional lens shade may be added at the front
end of an image capturing module, which causes a length and
diameter of a lens of the image capturing module to increase. Such
a conventional lens shade, when used on an ordinary digital camera
or video camera, may reduce the interference of miscellaneous light
to a certain extent.
[0005] However, for a sport-type photographic lens or a miniature
photographic apparatus to be mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle
(UAV) to shoot in the air, a conventional lens shade may not be
suitable due to its large volume and complicated installation. In
addition, adding such a conventional lens shade at the front end of
the miniature photographic apparatus that is to be mounted on an
UAV to shoot in the air may change the center of gravity of the
photographic apparatus, influencing the balance of the UAV and the
stability of a multi-axis gimbal connecting the photographic
apparatus to the UAV.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure provides a lens shade and an image
capturing module with a built-in lens shade.
[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a
lens shade comprising a first bottom surface, a second bottom
surface disposed opposite to the first bottom surface, a snap
portion formed on an outer side surface of the lens shade, and a
light incoming pathway running through the lens shade and
comprising a first light inlet formed at the first bottom surface
and a second light inlet formed at the second bottom surface. A
size of the second inlet is greater than a size of the first light
inlet. The lens shade has a thin plate shape.
[0008] In some embodiments, the lens shade has a discoid thin plate
shape.
[0009] In some embodiments, the second light inlet has a
rectangular or a circular shape.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first light inlet has a circular or
a race-track shape.
[0011] In some embodiments, a sidewall of the light incoming
pathway comprises a slant surface.
[0012] In some embodiments, the second light inlet has a
rectangular shape, and a sidewall of the light incoming pathway
comprises four slant surfaces extending from four lateral sides of
the second light inlet towards the first light inlet.
[0013] In some embodiments, the lens shade further comprises a lens
shade body and a bottom cover connected to a side of the lens shade
body. The light incoming pathway runs through the lens shade body
and the bottom cover. The first bottom surface comprises a bottom
surface on the bottom cover. The second bottom surface comprises a
bottom surface on the lens shade body.
[0014] In some embodiments, the lens shade forms a hollow casing.
Another bottom surface on the lens shade body opposite to the
second bottom surface comprises an opening hole. A size of the
opening hole is greater than a size of the second light inlet.
[0015] In some embodiments, a shape and a size of the bottom cover
match a shape and a size of the opening hole, respectively. The
lens shade body comprises a first positioning portion and a first
fastening portion formed at the opening hole. The bottom cover
comprises a second positioning portion matching the first
positioning portion and a second fastening portion matching the
first fastening portion. The first positioning portion and the
second positioning portion are configured to match each other to
position the bottom cover, and the first fastening portion and the
second fastening portion are configured to match each other to
connect the bottom cover to the lens shade body.
[0016] In some embodiments, the first fastening portion comprises
an elastic arm protruding from a portion on a sidewall of the lens
shade body close to the opening hole, and the second fastening
portion comprises a snap slot or a stepped surface formed on an
outer sidewall of the bottom cover and matching the elastic
arm.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first positioning portion comprises
a notch disposed at the opening hole, and the second positioning
portion comprises a protruding portion protruding from an outer
sidewall of the bottom cover and matching the notch.
[0018] In some embodiments, the lens shade body comprises a first
fastening portion, the bottom cover comprises a second fastening
portion matching the first fastening portion, and the first
fastening portion and the second fastening portion are configured
to match each other to connect the bottom cover to the lens shade
body.
[0019] In some embodiments, the first fastening portion comprises
an elastic arm protruding from a sidewall of the lens shade body,
and the second fastening portion comprises a snap slot or a stepped
surface formed on an outer sidewall of the bottom cover and
matching the elastic arm.
[0020] In some embodiments, the lens shade body comprises a first
positioning portion, the bottom cover comprises a second
positioning portion matching the first positioning portion, and the
first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are
configured to match each other to position the bottom cover.
[0021] In some embodiments, the first positioning portion comprises
a notch formed on the lens shade body, and the second positioning
portion comprises a protruding portion protruding from an outer
sidewall of the bottom cover and matching the notch.
[0022] In some embodiments, the lens shade further comprises an
annular retaining wall formed on the first bottom surface and being
perpendicular to the first bottom surface.
[0023] Also in accordance with the present disclosure, there is
provided an image capturing module comprising a casing, a lens
component arranged in the casing, and a lens shade disposed
directly facing the lens component and having a thin plate shape.
The lens shade comprises a first bottom surface close to the lens,
a second bottom surface disposed opposite to the first bottom
surface and away from the lens, a snap portion configured to snap
the lens shade with the casing, and a light incoming pathway
running through the lens shade to allow external light to enter the
lens, the light incoming pathway comprising a first light inlet
formed at the first bottom surface and a second light inlet formed
at the second bottom surface. A size of the second light inlet is
greater than a size of the first light inlet.
[0024] In some embodiments, the lens shade has a discoid thin plate
shape.
[0025] In some embodiments, the second light inlet has a
rectangular or a circular shape.
[0026] In some embodiments, the first light inlet has a circular or
a race-track shape.
[0027] In some embodiments, a sidewall of the light incoming
pathway comprises a slant surface.
[0028] In some embodiments, the second light inlet has a
rectangular shape, and a sidewall of the light incoming pathway
comprises four slant surfaces extending from four lateral sides of
the second light inlet towards the first light inlet.
[0029] In some embodiments, the lens shade further comprises an
annular retaining wall formed on the first bottom surface and being
perpendicular to the first bottom. The retaining wall matches the
lens and is configured to limit a position of the lens.
[0030] In some embodiments, the lens shade comprises a lens shade
body and a bottom cover connected to a side of the lens shade body
close to the lens, the light incoming pathway runs through the lens
shade body and the bottom cover, the first bottom surface comprises
a bottom surface on the bottom cover close to the lens, and the
second bottom surface comprises a bottom surface on the lens shade
body away from the lens.
[0031] In some embodiments, the lens shade forms a hollow casing.
Another bottom surface on the lens shade body close to the lens
comprises an opening hole. A size of the opening hole is greater
than a size of the second light inlet.
[0032] In some embodiments, a shape and a size of the bottom cover
match a shape and a size of the opening hole, respectively. The
lens shade body comprises a first positioning portion and a first
fastening portion formed at the opening hole. The bottom cover
comprises a second positioning portion matching the first
positioning portion and a second fastening portion matching the
first fastening portion. The first positioning portion and the
second positioning portion are configured to match each other to
position the bottom cover, and the first fastening portion and the
second fastening portion are configured to match each other to
connect the bottom cover to the lens shade body.
[0033] In some embodiments, the first fastening portion comprises
an elastic arm protruding from a portion on a sidewall of the lens
shade body close to the opening hole, and the second fastening
portion comprises a snap slot or a stepped surface formed on an
outer sidewall of the bottom cover and matching the elastic
arm.
[0034] In some embodiments, the first positioning portion comprises
a notch disposed at the opening hole, and the second positioning
portion comprises a protruding portion protruding from an outer
sidewall of the bottom cover and matching the notch.
[0035] In some embodiments, the lens shade body comprises a first
fastening portion, the bottom cover comprises a second fastening
portion matching the first fastening portion, and the first
fastening portion and the second fastening portion are configured
to match each other to connect the bottom cover to the lens shade
body.
[0036] In some embodiments, the first fastening portion comprises
an elastic arm protruding from a sidewall of the lens shade body,
and the second fastening portion comprises a snap slot or a stepped
surface formed on an outer sidewall of the bottom cover and
matching the elastic arm.
[0037] In some embodiments, the lens shade body comprises a first
positioning portion, the bottom cover comprises a second
positioning portion matching the first positioning portion, and the
first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are
configured to match each other to position the bottom cover.
[0038] In some embodiments, the first positioning portion comprises
a notch formed on the lens shade body, and the second positioning
portion comprises a protruding portion protruding from an outer
sidewall of the bottom cover and matching the notch.
[0039] In some embodiments, the bottom cover comprises an annular
retaining wall formed on and perpendicular to the first bottom
surface, the retaining wall matching the lens and being configured
to limit a position of the lens.
[0040] In some embodiments, the casing comprises an opening for
receiving the lens shade, the opening comprising a matching portion
matching the snap portion to fix the lens shade on the casing.
[0041] In some embodiments, the snap portion comprises a snap slot,
the matching portion comprises a protruding rib disposed on the
opening and protruding from a bottom surface of the opening, and
the protruding rib and the snap slot match each other to fix the
lens shade on the casing. In some embodiments, the snap portion
comprises a protruding rib, the matching portion comprises a snap
slot provided on a bottom surface of the opening, and the
protruding rib and the snap slot match each other to fix the lens
shade on the casing.
[0042] In some embodiments, the image capturing module further
comprises a filter component connected on the lens shade.
[0043] In some embodiments, the filter component is detachably
connected to a side of the lens shade away from the lens.
[0044] In some embodiments, the filter component is connected with
the lens shade by threads.
[0045] According to the present disclosure, a lens shade is
disposed inside an image capturing module and in close proximity to
a lens of the image capturing module. As such, the image capturing
module can have a small volume and a simple structure, and at the
same time a good shading performance. The image capturing module
and the lens shade of the image capturing module in accordance with
the present disclosure may be applicable to a sport camera device
or a miniature camera mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle for
shooting in the air.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an image
capturing module in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 2 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the
image capturing module in FIG. 1.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a magnified view of portion III of the image
capturing module in FIG. 2.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a cross section
along line IV-IV in FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a structural schematic diagram of an image
capturing module in accordance with another embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 6 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the
image capturing module in FIG. 5.
[0052] FIG. 7 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of a lens
shade of the image capturing module in FIG. 5.
[0053] FIG. 8 is an assembly structural schematic diagram of the
lens shade and a filter component of the image capturing module in
FIG. 5.
[0054] FIG. 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a cross section
along line IX-IX in FIG. 8.
[0055] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a cross section
along line X-X in FIG. 5.
EXPLANATIONS OF REFERENCE NUMBERS OF MAIN ELEMENTS
TABLE-US-00001 [0056] image capturing module 100 200 upper casing
11 211 first opening portion 112 2112 lower casing 12 212 first
threaded hole 121 second opening portion 122 2122 third threaded
hole 123 matching portion 13 213 lens component 20 220 lens 21 221
second threaded hole 201 fourth threaded hole 202 lens shade 30 230
first bottom surface 31 231 second bottom surface 32 232 outer side
surface 33 233 light incoming pathway 34 234 first light inlet 341
2341 second light inlet 342 2342 inner sidewall 343 2343 snap
portion 35 235 first connecting portion 36 236 space 237 first
fastening portion 238 opening hole 239 lens shade body 23 bottom
cover 24 third bottom surface 241 fourth bottom surface 242 outer
sidewall 243 second positioning portion 244 second fastening
portion 245 through hole 246 first positioning portion 25 filter
component 40 240 filter 41 2041 filter ring 42 2042 second
connecting portion 43 screw 50 70 elastic gasket 60 80 280
[0057] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in
detail in connection with the above-described drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0058] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an image
capturing module 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure. The image capturing module 100 may be a
miniature camera for mounting on an unmanned aerial vehicle to
shoot in the air, or may be a sport camera or an image capturing
module of another digital camera or photographic apparatus.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the
image capturing module 100 may be approximately in a spherical
shape as a whole. In some other embodiments, the image capturing
module 100 may be in another shape, such as a cubic shape or a
cuboid shape.
[0060] The image capturing module 100 may comprise an upper casing
11, a lower casing 12, a lens component 20, a lens shade 30, and a
filter component 40. In some embodiments, the lens component 20 may
be received within a receiving cavity (not shown) formed between
the upper casing 11 and the lower casing 12. The filter component
40 may comprise a filter 41 and a filter ring 42. The lens
component 20 may comprise a lens 21 via which light may enter the
lens component 20 to form images. The lens shade 30 may be disposed
between the lens 21 of the lens component 20 and the filter
component 40.
[0061] The upper casing 11 and the lower casing 12 may each be a
hollow casing in an approximately semi-spherical shape, and may be
fixed to each other by screw(s), snap(s), glue, or the like. The
lens component 20 may be disposed fixedly within a receiving cavity
formed between the upper casing 11 and the lower casing 12. The
lens component 20 may be fixed with the upper casing 11, or with
the lower casing 12, or with both the upper casing 11 and the lower
casing 12.
[0062] In some embodiments, each of the upper casing 11, the lower
casing 12, and the lens component 20 may be provided with a
corresponding threaded hole. The upper casing 11, the lens
component 20, and the lower casing 12 may be fixed with one another
through screw(s). During assembly, the lens component 20 may be
first locked on the lower casing 12, then the upper casing 11, the
lower casing 12, and the lens component 20 may be fixed with one
another, so as to complete the assembly of the upper casing 11, the
lower casing 12, and the lens component 20. Specifically, the lower
casing 12 may be provided with at least one first threaded hole 121
and at least one third threaded hole 123. The lens component 20 may
be provided with at least one second threaded hole 201 in
one-to-one correspondence with the first threaded hole 121 and at
least one fourth threaded hole 202 corresponding to the third
threaded hole 123. The upper casing 11 may be provided with at
least one fifth threaded hole (not shown) corresponding to the
first threaded hole 121. During assembly, first a screw 70 may be
inserted through the fourth threaded hole 202 on the lens component
20 and the third threaded hole 123 on the lower casing 12 in
sequence, to fix the lens component 20 and the lower casing 12
together. Then a screw 50 may be inserted through the first
threaded hole 121 on the lower casing 12, the second threaded hole
201 on the lens component 20, and the fifth threaded hole on the
upper casing 11 in sequence, to fix the upper casing 11, the lens
component 20, and the lower casing 12 together.
[0063] The upper casing 11 may be further provided with a first
opening portion 112 in an approximately semi-circular shape. The
lower casing 12 may be provided with a second opening portion 122
corresponding to the first opening portion 112. When the upper
casing 11 and the lower casing 12 are connected together, the first
opening portion 112 and the second opening portion 122 may
constitute a circular opening (not shown) that is in communication
with a receiving cavity formed between the upper casing 11 and the
lower casing 12, and that is disposed directly facing the lens 21
of the lens component 20. In some other embodiments, the first
opening portion 112 and the second opening portion 122 may be in a
rectangular or a square shape, so as to form an opening of another
shape.
[0064] Matching portions 13 may be provided at a position located
at the first opening portion 112 on the upper casing 11 and a
position at the second opening portion 122 on the lower casing 12.
In some embodiments, each of the matching portions 13 may be a
semi-circular protruding rib protruding from a bottom surface of
the first opening portion 112 or the second opening portion
122.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, the shape of the lens shade 30 may
match the shape and size of the opening formed by the first opening
portion 112 and the second opening portion 122 when the upper
casing 11 and the lower casing 12 are fixed together. The diameter
of the lens shade 30 may be slightly less than or equal to the
diameter of the opening.
[0066] In some embodiments, the lens shade 30 may be in a discoid
shape, and comprise a first bottom surface 31 facing the lens 21, a
second bottom surface 32 disposed opposite to the first bottom
surface 31, and an outer side surface 33. In some other
embodiments, the lens shade 30 may be in a square thin-plate shape
or may be a thin plate of another shape.
[0067] The lens shade 30 may further comprise a light incoming
pathway 34 running through the first bottom surface 31 and the
second bottom surface 32 and comprising a first light inlet 341
close to the lens 21 and a second light inlet 342 away from the
lens 21. The size of the second light inlet 342 may be greater than
the size of the first light inlet 341. In some embodiments, the
first light inlet 341 may be substantially in a race-track shape,
i.e., the first light inlet 341 may consist of a rectangular
portion and semi-circular or arched shapes located on two sides of
the rectangular portion, respectively. The second light inlet 342
may be in a rectangular shape. Light may enter the light incoming
pathway 34 from the second light inlet 342 and exist from the first
light inlet 341, and then enter the lens 21 to form images. In some
embodiments, an inner sidewall 343 of the light incoming pathway 34
may comprise slant surfaces. Specifically, four slant surfaces may
be formed extending from four lateral sides of the rectangular
second light inlet 342 towards the first light inlet 341.
[0068] In some other embodiments, the first light inlet 341 and
second light inlet 342 may be designed have other shapes, such as
circular shapes, as long as the size of the second light inlet 342
is greater than the size of the first light inlet 341.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the lens shade 30 may
further comprise a snap portion 35 provided on the outer side
surface 33 and matching the matching portions 13, so that the lens
shade 30 may be fixed with the upper casing 11 and the lower casing
12. In some embodiments, the snap portion 35 may be a snap slot
formed on the outer side surface 33 of the lens shade 30. The snap
slot may match the semi-circular protruding ribs protruding from
the bottom surfaces of the first opening portion 112 and the second
opening portion 122. Since the protruding ribs protrude from the
bottom surfaces of the first opening portion 112 and the second
opening portion 122, when the upper casing 11 and the lower casing
12 are fixed with each other, the protruding ribs may be inserted
in the snap slot, i.e., the snap portion 35, to prevent the lens
shade 30 from disengaging from the opening, thus achieving a
fixation of the lens shade 30 with the upper casing 11 and the
lower casing 12.
[0070] In some embodiments, an elastic gasket 60 may be disposed
between the protruding ribs and the snap slot, for enhancing the
sealing of the image capturing module 100, preventing dust and
water vapor from entering into the image capturing module 100
through a gap between the lens shade 30 and the upper casing 11 and
the lower casing 12.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the lens shade 30 may further
comprise a first connecting portion 36 disposed at a position on
the outer side surface 33 that is close to the second bottom
surface 32. The filter ring 42 of the filter component 40 may be
provided with a second connecting portion 43 corresponding to the
first connecting portion 36. The second connecting portion 43 may
be connected to the first connecting portion 36 to mount the filter
component 40 on the lens shade 30. In some embodiments, the first
connecting portion 36 may be an external thread, and the second
connecting portion 43 may be a corresponding internal thread. In
some other embodiments, the filter component 40 may further be
detachably fixed with the lens shade 30 by means of snap or
glue.
[0072] During the assembly of the image capturing module 100, first
the lens component 20 may be fixed with the lower casing 12, then
the lens shade 30 may be initially positioned by means of the
matching between the snap portion 35 on the lens shade 30 and the
matching portion 13 on the lower casing 12. Then, the upper casing
11 may be fixed with the lower casing 12 while allowing the
matching portion 13 on the upper casing 11 and the matching portion
13 on the lower casing 12 to position the lens shade 30. Finally,
the filter component 40 may be fixed with the lens shade 30 to
complete the assembly.
[0073] In some other embodiments, the matching portions 13 may be
semi-circular snap slots formed by concaving inwardly from the
bottom surfaces of the first opening portion 112 and second opening
portion 122, respectively, and the snap portion 35 may be an
annular protruding rib protruding from the outer side surface 33 of
the lens shade 30. Further, a manner of snapping between the
matching portions 13 and the snap portion 35 may be not limited to
the above-described manner of fixing between a protruding rib and a
snap slot. The matching portions 13 and the snap portion 35 may be
connected together using another detachable manner, such as a
fixing manner using an elastic snap or an elastic reset member and
a snap slot. Further, other manners, such as manners using glue or
threads, may also be adopted to fix the lens shade 30 with the
upper casing 11 and the lower casing 12.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 4, an annular retaining wall 37 may be
provided on the first bottom surface 31 of the lens shade 30 for
matching with the lens 21 of the lens component 20. The annular
retaining wall 37 may be disposed perpendicular to the first bottom
surface 31. The shape and size of a space (not shown) surrounded by
the retaining wall 37 may match the shape and size of the lens 21.
In some embodiments, the lens 21 may be in a cylindrical shape, and
the retaining wall 37 may correspondingly be in an annular shape.
The diameter of the space surrounded by the retaining wall 37 may
be equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the lens 21.
During assembly, the lens 21 of the lens component 20 may be
arranged within the space surrounded by the retaining wall 37 which
is used for limiting the position of the lens 21. In the present
embodiment, an elastic gasket 80 of rubber material or another
elastic material may be disposed between the retaining wall 37 and
the outer side surface of the lens 21.
[0075] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are structural schematic diagram of an
image capturing module 200 in accordance with another embodiment of
the present disclosure. The structure of the image capturing module
200 may be similar to the structure of the image capturing module
100. The image capturing module 200 may comprise an upper casing
211, a lower casing 212, a lens component 220, a lens shade 230,
and a filter component 240. In some embodiments, the lens component
220 may be fixed with the upper casing 211 and the lower casing 212
in a same manner as that described above with respect to the image
capturing module 200, and thus detailed description is omitted
here. The filter component 240 may comprise a filter 2041 and a
filter ring 2042. The lens component 220 may comprise a lens 221
through which light may enter the lens component 220 to form
images. The lens shade 230 may be disposed between the lens 221 of
the lens component 220 and the filter component 240.
[0076] The upper casing 211 may comprise a first opening portion
2112, and the lower casing 212 may be provided with a second
opening portion 2122 corresponding to the first opening portion
2112. When the upper casing 211 and the lower casing 212 are fixed
together, the first opening portion 2112 and the second opening
portion 2122 may form an opening (not labelled) directly facing the
lens 221 of the lens component 220. Matching portions 213 may be
provided at a position located at the first opening portion 2112 on
the upper casing 211 and a position located at the second opening
portion 2122 on the lower casing 212, respectively. In some
embodiments, the matching portions 213 may be semi-circular
protruding ribs protruding from the bottom surfaces of the first
opening portion 2112 and the second opening portion 2122,
respectively.
[0077] The shape of the lens shade 230 may match the shape and size
of the opening formed by the first opening portion 2112 and second
opening portion 2122. The diameter of the lens shade 230 may be
slightly less than or equal to the diameter of the opening.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the image capturing module
200 may differ from the image capturing module 100 in that, in the
image capturing module 200, the lens shade 230 may comprise a lens
shade body 23 and a bottom cover 24.
[0079] The bottom cover 24 may comprise a third bottom surface 241
facing the lens shade body 23, a fourth bottom surface 242 disposed
opposite to the third bottom surface 241 and facing the lens 221,
and an outer sidewall 243. The lens shade body 23 may be
approximately in a discoid shape, and comprise a first bottom
surface 231 facing the lens 221, a second bottom surface 232
disposed opposite to the first bottom surface 231, and an outer
side surface 233.
[0080] The lens shade 230 may further comprise a light incoming
pathway 234 running through the lens shade body 23 and the bottom
cover 24. The light incoming pathway 234 may comprise a first light
inlet 2341 formed at the fourth bottom surface 242 of the bottom
cover 24, and a second light inlet 2342 formed at the second bottom
surface 232 of the lens shade body 23. The first light inlet 2341
and the second light inlet 2342 may each be in communication with
the light incoming pathway 234. In some embodiments, the second
light inlet 2342 may be in a rectangular shape, and the first light
inlet 2341 may be in a circular shape. The size of the second light
inlet 2342 is greater than that of the first light inlet 2341.
[0081] In some embodiments, a through hole 246 running through the
third bottom surface 241 and the fourth bottom surface 242 may be
provided on the bottom cover 24. The through hole 246 of the bottom
cover 24 may be disposed to directly face the lens 221 and form the
first light inlet 2341 at the fourth bottom surface 242. The lens
shade body 23 may be a hollow, discoid casing. The light incoming
pathway 234 may form the second light inlet 2342 at the second
bottom surface 232. The first bottom surface 231 of the lens shade
body 23 may be further provided with an opening hole 239. The
opening hole 239 may be greater than the second light inlet 2342 in
size, and be in communication with the second light inlet 2342.
Since the lens shade body 23 is a hollow, discoid casing, a space
237 is formed within and between the opening hole 239 and the
second light inlet 2342. The space 237 and the through hole 246 on
the bottom cover 24 may collectively form the light incoming
pathway 234.
[0082] The shape and size of the bottom cover 24 may match the
shape and size of the opening hole 239, respectively. The bottom
cover 24 may be detachably connected with the second light inlet
2342 of the lens shade body 23.
[0083] An inner wall 2343 of the lens shade body 23 may be provided
with at least one first positioning portion 25. The outer sidewall
243 of the bottom cover 24 may be provided with at least one second
positioning portion 244 matching the first positioning portion 25.
In some embodiments, the first positioning portion 25 may be a
notch in communication with the opening hole 239. The second
positioning portion 244 may be a protruding portion protruding from
the outer sidewall 243 of the bottom cover 24. In some other
embodiments, a positioning manner between the first positioning
portion 25 and the second positioning portion 244 may be not
limited to the above-described manner. For example, the first
positioning portion 25 may be a protruding portion disposed at a
position on the lens shade body 23 close to the opening hole 239,
and the second positioning portion 244 may be a notch.
[0084] At least one first fastening portion 238 protruding from the
inner sidewall 2343 may be provided at a position on the inner
sidewall 2343 of the lens shade body 23 close to the opening hole
239, and at least one second fastening portion 245 matching the
first fastening portion 238 may be provided on the outer sidewall
243 of the bottom cover 24.
[0085] An annular retaining wall 247 disposed perpendicular to the
fourth bottom surface 242 may be provided on the fourth bottom
surface 242 of the bottom cover 24 facing the lens 221, and used
for matching with the lens 221 of the lens component 220. The shape
and size of a space 248 surrounded by the retaining wall 247 may be
match the shape and size of the lens 221. In some embodiments, the
lens 221 may be in a cylindrical shape, and the retaining wall 247
may be correspondingly in an annular shape. The diameter of the
space surrounded by the retaining wall 247 may be equal to or
slightly greater than the diameter of the lens 221.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 7, 8 and 9, during the assembly of the
lens shade 230, first the second positioning portion 244 on the
outer sidewall 243 of the bottom cover 24 may be aligned with the
first positioning portion 25 provided at the opening hole 239 of
the lens shade body 23. The bottom cover 24 may be pressed towards
a side of the lens shade body 23 so that the bottom cover 24 may be
partially inserted in the opening hole 239, and the first fastening
portion 238 and the second fastening portion 245 may be snapped
together, connecting the lens shade body 23 and the bottom cover
24.
[0087] In some embodiments, the lens shade body 23 and the bottom
cover 24 may each be made of a plastic material, and have a certain
elasticity. The first fastening portion 238 may be an elastic arm
protruding from a position on the inner sidewall 2343 of the lens
shade body 23 close to the opening hole 239, and the second
fastening portion 245 may be a stepped surface extending inward
from the outer sidewall 243 of the bottom cover 24. During
assembly, the bottom cover 24 may be pushed against the first
fastening portion 238 from a side close to the bottom cover 24, to
elastically deform the first fastening portion 238 and allow the
second fastening portion 245 to move to a side of the first
fastening portion 238 away from the bottom cover 24. At this time,
an external force is removed and the bottom cover 24 may be fixed
on the lens shade body 23 due to the limiting of the first
fastening portion 238 and the second fastening portion 245. Upon
assembly, the lens 221 of the lens component 220 may extend into
the space surrounded by the retaining wall 247, which may be used
for limiting the lens 221. In some embodiments, an elastic gasket
280 made of a rubber material or another elastic material may be
disposed between the retaining wall 247 and the lens 221.
[0088] In some other embodiments, the first fastening portion 238
and the second fastening portion 245 may be snapped in another
snapping manner, such as a snapping manner using an elastic reset
member, e.g., an elastic arm, and a snap slot.
[0089] In some other embodiments, the bottom cover 24 may be
snapped only with one side of the first bottom surface 231 of the
lens shade body 23, without being inserted in the opening hole
239.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 6 to FIG. 10, the lens shade body 23 may
further comprise a snap portion 235 provided on the outer side
surface 233. The snap portion 235 may match with the matching
portions 213 to fix the lens shade body 23 with the upper casing
211 and the lower casing 212. The lens shade body 23 may further
comprise a first connecting portion 236 provided at a position on
the outer side surface 233 close to the second bottom surface 232.
A filter ring 2042 of the filter component 240 may be provided with
a second connecting portion (not labelled) corresponding to the
first connecting portion 236. The second connecting portion on the
filter ring 2042 may be connected to the first connecting portion
236 to mount the filter component 240 on the lens shade body
23.
[0091] According to the present disclosure, a lens shade is
disposed inside an image capturing module and in close proximity to
a lens of the image capturing module. As such, the image capturing
module can have a small volume and a simple structure, and at the
same time a good shading performance. The image capturing module
and the lens shade of the image capturing module in accordance with
the present disclosure may be applicable to a sport camera device
or a miniature camera mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle for
shooting in the air.
[0092] In order to enhance the shading effect of the lens shade
30/230, the surface of the lens shade 30/230 may be made to be
matte, frosted, or engraved and matted black to reduce light
reflection. At the same time, a flocking may be made on a surface
of the lens shade 30/230 facing the lens, to further reduce
reflected light.
[0093] The foregoing disclosure is merely illustrative of the
embodiments of the disclosure but not intended to limit the scope
of the disclosure. Any modifications and variations made to the
above-described embodiments within the essential spirit and scope
of the disclosure shall all fall into the scope of the
disclosure.
* * * * *