TWM453185U - Web cam module with lens sheltering design - Google Patents

Abstract

A web cam module with lens sheltering design is provided. The web cam module includes an outer shell, a web camera element and a lens shutter. The outer shell is provided with a penetrated hole on one lateral side thereof. A lens of the web camera element captures external videos through the penetrated hole. The lens shutter can be linearly and slidably disposed on the outer shell for moving to the penetrated hole and blocking the lens of the web camera element.

Description

Webcam module with lens shielding design

The present invention relates to a webcam module, and more particularly to a webcam module having a lens shielding design.

At present, video products equipped with webcam modules (such as portable computers or digital TV set-top boxes, etc.) have the function of supporting network video. When a user terminal and a remote end perform video video connection, the user terminal can transmit the image of the user end (including the user and the background behind it) to the remote end via the webcam module of the video product.

However, in the era of hackers being invulnerable, when the user stops using the webcam module, the hacker may still launch the webcam module through the network, and obtain the user end without warning. The image is harmful to the privacy of the user at the user end.

To this end, if we can provide a solution design that can solve the above requirements and let the industry stand out from the competition, it becomes an important issue to be solved urgently.

The present invention discloses a network with a lens shielding design The photographic module is used to block the image view of the lens in the non-use state of the network camera module. Even if the hacker activates the network camera module through the network, no image can be obtained, thereby protecting the privacy of the user. Safety.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the network camera module includes a housing, a web camera unit, and a lens door. One side of the outer casing has a first through opening. The webcam unit is located inside the housing and contains a lens. The lens is aligned with the first through opening, and an image is captured externally through the first through opening. The lens cover is linearly slidably disposed on the outer casing for being driven to the first through opening and shielding the lens.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the network camera module further includes a fixing member. The fixing member is fixed to the inner wall of the side of the outer casing. The lens door is restricted from sliding between the outer casing and the fixture. When the lens cover is driven between the first through hole and the lens, the lens covers the lens to cover the lens.

In one variation of one embodiment of the present invention, the outer casing includes at least one support portion on the inner wall of the side of the outer casing for supporting the lens door.

In one variation of one of the embodiments of the present invention, the outer casing includes a first linear rib. The first linear rib is located on the inner wall of the side of the outer casing. The fixing member includes a second linear rib. The second linear rib is located on one side of the fixing member facing the lens shutter. The opposite sides of the lens cover are in line contact with the first linear rib and the second linear rib, respectively.

In one variation of one of the embodiments of the present invention, the lens shutter has an identifiable pattern. When the lens cover is driven between the first through opening and the lens, the identifiable pattern is located between the first through opening and the lens.

In one variation of one of the embodiments of the present invention, the outer casing includes a second through opening. The second through opening is located on this side of the outer casing. The fixture contains one The light guide plate body, an indicating portion and a light incident surface. The indicating portion protrudes from one side of the light guide plate body and extends into the second through hole. The light incident surface protrudes from the other side of the light guide plate body and faces an indicator light.

In one variation of one embodiment of the present invention, the webcam module further includes a protective lens. The protective lens is transparent and is located on the outer wall of the side of the outer casing and covers the first through hole and the second through opening.

In one variation of the embodiment of the present invention, the network camera module further includes a latch portion, one end of the latch portion is connected to the lens cover door, and the other end is located outside the outer casing for interlocking the lens to block the door movement.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the lens shutter is linearly slidable on the outer wall of the side of the housing.

In a variation of another embodiment of the present invention, one end of the lens shutter has an operation portion for interlocking movement of the lens.

The present invention discloses a network camera module with a lens shielding design for blocking the lens of the network camera module for image capture in the non-use state of the network camera module, and using the light guide member on the one hand Limiting the displacement of the lens to the door, on the other hand, in the state of use of the network camera module, the light of the indicator light is guided to the outside.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the network camera module comprises a housing, a network camera unit, an indicator light, a light guide and a lens cover. One side of the outer casing has a first through opening and a second through opening. The webcam unit is located inside the housing and contains a lens. The lens is aligned with the first through opening, and an image is captured externally through the first through opening. The indicator light is electrically connected to the webcam unit. The indicator light illuminates when the lens of the webcam is capturing images externally. The light guiding member has a light guiding property and is fixed on the inner wall of the side of the outer casing. One side of the light guiding member protrudes from the second through hole, and the other side Facing the indicator light. The lens cover is linearly slidably disposed between the outer casing and the light guide. When the lens cover is driven between the first through hole and the lens, the lens covers the lens to cover the lens.

In summary, the new network camera module has a lens shielding design protection mechanism, which ensures user privacy and is convenient for users to use. It is a rare place in the society where Internet popularity and hackers prevail. protection mechanism. In addition, since the design of the structure is easy to change, and the smallest assembled parts and the smallest space are used, it is easy to hide in the machine body to increase the aesthetics of the machine, and the assembly is easy, saving the time for the operator to assemble the machine.

100, 101‧‧‧Webcam module

200‧‧‧ Shell

201‧‧‧Slide rails

210‧‧‧First housing

220‧‧‧The first body

221‧‧‧ first through opening

222‧‧‧second through opening

223‧‧‧Bump

224‧‧‧Support

225‧‧‧First linear rib

230‧‧‧Second body

231‧‧‧ slot

240‧‧‧ second housing

250‧‧‧ Third body

260‧‧‧Four body

261‧‧‧ ‧ frame

270‧‧‧ accommodating space

300, 301‧‧‧ lens cover

310‧‧‧ card slot

320‧‧‧shading board

330‧‧‧identifiable pattern

340‧‧‧Operation Department

400‧‧‧Latch Department

410‧‧‧Small body

420‧‧‧ Connecting ribs

430‧‧‧Latch bolt

500‧‧‧Fixed parts

510‧‧‧ openings

520‧‧‧Light guide plate

530‧‧‧Instruction Department

540‧‧‧Into the glossy surface

550‧‧‧Second linear rib

600‧‧‧protective lenses

610‧‧‧opaque ink

700‧‧‧Webcam

710‧‧‧ lens

800‧‧‧ indicator light

810‧‧‧ boards

900‧‧‧ fixing bolts

D1‧‧‧ first direction

D2‧‧‧ second direction

A1‧‧‧ long axis axial

A2‧‧‧ sliding axial

FIG. 1 is a combination view of the network camera module with a lens shielding design viewed in a first direction in an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the network camera module of FIG. 1 viewed in a second direction in this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective assembled view of the webcam module of FIG. 1 viewed in a second direction in this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the lens shutter of the webcam module of FIG. 1 viewed in the first direction in this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the lens of the novel network camera module after the lens is shielded from the lens.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the novel network camera module.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the fixing member of the webcam module of FIG. 1 viewed in a first direction in this embodiment.

8A to 8D illustrate the latch of the novel network camera module The operation diagram of the lens, the lens cover and the fixing member are sequentially assembled to the outer casing.

9A to 9B are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the novel network camera module with lens shielding design in another embodiment.

The spirit and scope of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, which can be modified and modified by the teachings of the present invention. The spirit and scope of the new model.

FIG. 1 is a combination view of the network camera module 100 with a lens shielding design viewed in a first direction D1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the network camera module 100 of FIG. 1 viewed in a second direction D2 in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective assembled view of the webcam module 100 of FIG. 1 viewed in a second direction D2 in this embodiment.

Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. The webcam module 100 includes a housing 200, a webcam unit 700 and a lens shutter 300. The outer casing 200 has a first through opening 221. The network camera unit 700 is located in the outer casing 200. One lens 710 of the network camera unit 700 is aligned with the first through hole 221 and captures an image through the first through hole 221 . The lens shutter 300 is linearly slidably disposed on the outer casing 200 and slidable to the first through opening 221 .

Thus, when the novel network camera module 100 is in a non-use state, the lens shutter 300 can be driven to the first through opening 221 to completely block the image field of view of the lens 710 of the network camera unit 700, even if the hacker When the webcam module 100 is activated through the network, no image can be obtained. In turn, the privacy of the user is protected.

Please refer to Figure 2. In this embodiment, the outer casing 200 is composed of a first casing 210 and a second casing 240, and an accommodation space 270 is defined therein (Fig. 3). The first housing 210 includes a first body portion 220 and a second body portion 230 adjacent thereto. The first through opening 221 is located on the first body portion 220. The second housing 240 includes a third body portion 250 and a fourth body portion 260 that are adjacent to each other. The network camera unit 700 is fixed to the inner side of the third body 250 by a frame 261, so that the lens 710 of the network camera unit 700 can face the first body 220 and be aligned with the first through hole 221, wherein One side of the third body 250 facing the accommodating space 270 is the inner side of the third body 250.

The outer casing 200 further includes a second through opening 222. The second through opening 222 is located, for example, on the first body portion 220. The webcam module 100 further includes an indicator light 800. The indicator light 800 is disposed on a circuit board 810 and electrically connected to the network camera unit 700. The indicator light 800 is, for example, a light emitting diode. When the lens 710 of the network camera unit 700 is capturing images, the indicator light 800 emits light toward the second through opening 222 to inform the user that the network camera unit 700 is capturing images.

Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3. The webcam module 100 further includes a fixing member 500. The fixing member 500 is located in the accommodating space 270 and is fixed to one side inner wall of the outer casing 200. The lens shutter 300 is restricted from sliding between the outer casing 200 and the fixing member 500. When the lens shutter 300 is brought between the first through opening 221 and the lens 710, the lens shutter 300 shields the lens 710.

Specifically, the fixing member 500 is fixed on the protrusion 223 on the inner side of the first body portion 220 by the fixing bolt 900, so that the lens cover 300 It is restricted to slide between the outer casing 200 and the fixing member 500, wherein one side of the first body portion 220 facing the accommodating space 270 is the inner side of the first body portion 220. The fixing member 500 further has an opening 510 , and the opening 510 is aligned with the first through opening 221 , so that the web camera unit 700 faces the first through opening 221 through the opening 510 .

Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2. The network camera module 100 further includes a protective lens 600. The protective lens 600 is located on the outer wall of the outer side of the outer casing 200 and covers the first through hole 221 and the second through hole 222. The protective lens 600 is transparent and can be coated with the opaque ink 610 such that only the area required for the lens 710 and the indicator light 800 is exposed.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the lens shutter 300 of the webcam module 100 of FIG. 1 viewed in the first direction D1 in this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the lens shutter 300 of the novel network camera module 100 after the lens 710 is shielded.

Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5. The lens cover 300 includes two card slots 310, a shielding plate 320 and an identifiable pattern 330. The shielding plate 320 is located on one side of the lens door 300, and the card slot 310 is located on the other side of the lens door 300 and is oppositely disposed. The identifiable pattern 330 is located on a side of the shielding plate 320 facing the first through opening 221 . The identifiable pattern 330 is not limited to its kind, such as a red dot or a white dot.

When the lens shutter 300 is driven between the first through hole 221 and the lens 710, the shielding plate 320 is located between the first through hole 221 and the lens 710, and shields the lens 710 such that the identifiable pattern 330 is from the first through hole. 221 (protective lens 600) is exposed; conversely, when lens barrier 300 is taken away, lens 710 is exposed from first through opening 221 (protective lens 600). Thus, when the user sees the identifiable from the first through opening 221 After the pattern 330, it can be known that the lens shutter 300 is currently between the first through opening 221 and the lens 710.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the network camera module 100 further includes a latch portion 400. One end of the latch portion 400 is coupled to the lens shutter 300, and the other end is located outside the outer casing 200.

Specifically, the second body portion 230 has a slot 231. The major axis A1 of the slot 231 is parallel to the sliding axis A2 of the lens shutter 300. The latch portion 400 includes an elongated body 410, two connecting ribs 420 and a latching projection 430. The two connecting ribs 420 are oppositely located on one side of the elongated body 410 and are respectively locked in the card slot 310. The latching projection 430 is located on one side of the elongated body 410 opposite the connecting rib 420 and partially extends from the receiving space 270 to the slot 231.

In this way, the user can drive the lens cover 300 between the first through hole 221 and the lens 710 or away from the first through hole 221 and the lens 710 by operating the door latch 430.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the new network camera module 100. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the outer casing 200 includes at least one support portion 224. The support portion 224 is located on the inner wall of the side of the outer casing 200 for supporting the lens shutter 300.

For example, the support portion 224 can be a plurality of (for example, two), and the support portion 224 can be located on the protrusion 223 of the fixing bolts 900 to avoid the lens door 300 from being detached from the original sliding track.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the fixing member 500 of the network camera module 100 of FIG. 1 viewed in the first direction D1 in this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, the fixing member 500 has a light guiding property and can be referred to as a light guiding member. The fixing member 500 includes a The light guide plate body 520, an indicating portion 530 and a light incident surface 540. The indicating portion 530 protrudes from one side of the light guide plate body 520 and extends into the second through opening 222. The light incident surface 540 protrudes from the other side of the light guide plate body 520 and faces the indicator light 800 described above to receive the light of the indicator light 800.

Since one side of the fixing member 500 (ie, the indicating portion 530) protrudes from the second through opening 222, and the other side (ie, the light incident surface 540) faces the indicator light 800, the light guide plate body 520 of the fixing member 500 can indicate Light from the lamp 800 is directed to the second through opening 222 to inform the user that the webcam unit 700 is capturing images. In this way, the fixing member 500 can limit the displacement of the lens shutter 300 on the one hand, and can provide the light of the indicator light 800 to the outside in the use state of the network camera module 100 on the other hand.

In addition, in a variation of one of the embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the outer casing 200 includes at least one first linear rib 225. The first linear rib 225 is located on the inner wall of the side of the outer casing 200. The fixing member 500 includes at least one second linear rib 550. The second linear rib 550 is located on one side of the fixing member 500 facing the lens shutter 300. The lens shutter 300 is interposed between the fixing member 500 and the outer casing 200, and the opposite sides thereof are in line contact with the first linear rib 225 and the second linear rib 550, respectively.

In this manner, when the lens shutter 300 slides between the first through hole 221 and the lens 710, the lens shutter 300 maintains line contact with the first linear rib 225 and the second linear rib 550, and the lens shutter 300 On the one hand, it is limited to linear sliding between the fixing member 500 and the outer casing 200, and on the other hand, it does not completely face-to-face contact with the outer casing 200 and the fixing member 500, thereby prolonging the life of the product.

8A to 8D illustrate that the latch portion 400, the lens shutter 300 and the fixing member 500 of the novel network camera module 100 are sequentially assembled to Schematic diagram of the operation of the outer casing 200.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8D, when the network camera module 100 is assembled, first, the latching protrusion 430 of the latch portion 400 is directed upward (as indicated by the direction of the dotted arrow, FIG. 8A) and protrudes beyond the slot 231. Therefore, the latch portion 400 can only move along the long axis axis A1 of the slot 231; then, the connecting rib 420 of the latch portion 400 is locked in the card slot 310 of the lens cover 300 (Fig. 8B), so that the lens is covered The door 300 can be interlocked along the long axis axis A1 of the slot 231 with the latch protrusion 430; then, the fixing member 500 presses the lens door 300 toward the second direction D2 (Fig. 8C), so that the indication portion of the fixing member 500 530 extends from the second through opening 222 (Fig. 2, Fig. 7) and the opening 510 is aligned with the first through opening 221; then, the fixing member 500 is fixed to the inner side of the first piece portion 220 so as to be the indicator light 800 ( Fig. 3) can be aligned with the light incident surface 540 of the fixing member 500, the lens 710 can be aligned with the first through opening 221 (Fig. 3); finally, the protective lens 600 is covered on the outer wall of the outer casing 200 (Fig. 1) And covering the first through hole 221 and the second through hole 222.

9A to 9B are schematic views showing the operation of the network camera module 101 having the lens shielding design in another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9A, in another embodiment, the lens shutter 301 is linearly slidably located on the outer wall of the outer casing 200.

For example, however, it is not limited thereto, and the outer wall of the outer casing 200 is provided with a slide rail 201, and the lens shutter 301 can linearly slide back and forth on the slide rail 201. Thus, when the lens shutter 301 is driven to the first through opening 221, the lens shutter 301 shields the first through opening 221 (Fig. 9), thereby completely blocking the image field of view of the lens 710 of the network photographing unit 700, even if Hackers can also launch the webcam module 101 over the Internet. What images, in order to protect the privacy of users.

In addition, one end of the lens shutter 301 has an operation portion 340, and the operation portion 340 is, for example, a non-slip rib. In this way, the user can move the lens cover 301 to the first through hole 221 or away from the first through hole 221 by pushing the operation portion 340.

In summary, the new network camera module has a lens shielding design protection mechanism, which ensures user privacy and is convenient for users to use. It is a rare place in the society where Internet popularity and hackers prevail. protection mechanism. In addition, since the design of the structure is easy to change, and the smallest assembled parts and the smallest space are used, it is easy to hide in the machine body to increase the aesthetics of the machine, and the assembly is easy, saving the time for the operator to assemble the machine.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in a preferred embodiment as described above, any one skilled in the art can make various changes and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope defined in the scope of application for patent application shall prevail.

100‧‧‧Webcam module

210‧‧‧First housing

220‧‧‧The first body

221‧‧‧ first through opening

222‧‧‧second through opening

223‧‧‧Bump

230‧‧‧Second body

240‧‧‧ second housing

250‧‧‧ Third body

260‧‧‧Four body

261‧‧‧ ‧ frame

300‧‧‧ lens cover

310‧‧‧ card slot

320‧‧‧shading board

400‧‧‧Latch Department

410‧‧‧Small body

420‧‧‧ Connecting ribs

430‧‧‧Latch bolt

500‧‧‧Fixed parts

510‧‧‧ openings

520‧‧‧Light guide plate

540‧‧‧Into the glossy surface

600‧‧‧protective lenses

610‧‧‧opaque ink

700‧‧‧Webcam

710‧‧‧ lens

800‧‧‧ indicator light

810‧‧‧ boards

900‧‧‧ fixing bolts

D1‧‧‧ first direction

D2‧‧‧ second direction

Claims (10)

A network camera module with a lens shielding design includes: a casing having a first through side on one side of the casing; and a network camera unit located in the casing, including a lens, the lens is aligned with the first a through opening, and an image is captured by the first through opening; and a lens cover is linearly slidably disposed on the outer casing for being driven to the first through opening and shielding the lens. The network camera module having the lens shielding design according to claim 1, further comprising: a fixing member fixed on an inner wall of the side of the outer casing, the lens shielding door being limited to the outer casing and the fixing member Sliding therebetween, when the lens cover is driven between the first through hole and the lens, the lens covers the lens. The network camera module of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises: at least one support portion on the inner wall of the side of the housing for supporting the lens cover. The network camera module of claim 2, wherein the outer casing comprises a first linear rib, the first linear rib being located on the inner wall of the side of the outer casing, The fixing member includes a second linear rib, and the second linear rib is located on one side of the fixing member facing the lens cover. Wherein the opposite sides of the lens cover are in line contact with the first linear rib and the second linear rib, respectively. The network camera module of claim 2, wherein the lens cover has an identifiable pattern, and when the lens cover is driven between the first through hole and the lens, An identifiable pattern is shielded between the first through opening and the lens. The network camera module of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises: a second through opening on the side of the outer casing; and the fixing member comprises: a light guide plate body; The indicator portion protrudes from one side of the light guide plate body and extends into the second through hole; and a light incident surface protrudes from the other side of the light guide plate body and faces an indicator light. The network camera module having the lens shielding design according to claim 6, further comprising: a protective lens located on the outer wall of the side of the outer casing and covering the first through hole and the second through opening. The network camera module with the lens shielding design as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a door latch portion, the one end of which is connected to the lens cover door, and the other end is located in the outer casing In addition, it is used to interlock the lens to block the movement of the door. A network camera module having a lens shielding design according to claim 1, wherein the lens shutter is linearly slidably located on an outer wall of the side of the housing. The network camera module with the lens shielding design according to claim 9, wherein one end of the lens shutter has an operation portion for interlocking movement of the lens.