An optical element switching device and an image recording device having the same.

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of optical instrument and equipment technology, specifically to an optical element switching device and an image recording device having the same. It includes: a base with a plurality of optical elements arranged circumferentially on its end face facing a glass window; a driving mechanism connected to the base for driving the base to rotate, thereby transporting the optical elements to a predetermined position; and a positioning mechanism connected to the base, having a first state of locking with the base when the optical elements rotate to the predetermined position and a second state of unlocking with the base when the driving mechanism drives the base to rotate. This invention provides an optical element switching device that can fix the position of optical elements after switching, thereby improving the shooting effect, and an image recording device having the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical instrument and equipment technology, specifically to an optical element switching device and an image recording device having the same. Background Technology

[0002] A camera is a device that uses optical imaging principles to form images and records them using film; it is an optical instrument used for photography. In modern society, there are many devices that can record images, all possessing characteristics of a camera, such as medical imaging equipment and astronomical observation equipment.

[0003] Currently, to meet the diverse photographic needs of different scenarios, high-end DSLR and mirrorless cameras require various lenses with different focal lengths. While this yields excellent results, carrying multiple lenses significantly increases the burden of travel. Furthermore, changing lenses takes time, and sometimes shooting opportunities are fleeting; by the time the lens is changed, the optimal moment has passed, leaving only regret. Compact cameras, on the other hand, typically have a fixed lens on the body that cannot be changed. While convenient to carry, in practical use, a single lens often fails to achieve satisfactory results for various shooting scenarios.

[0004] To address this, a scheme has been adopted in which a rotating mechanism equipped with multiple optical elements rotates under the drive device and stops rotating after reaching a predetermined position to take corresponding pictures. However, after the rotating mechanism reaches the predetermined position, since the position of the rotating mechanism is not fixed, when it is subjected to external force, the optical elements currently in use may deviate from the predetermined position, affecting the shooting effect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the defect in the prior art where the position of the optical element is not fixed after the position is switched, which affects the shooting effect. The present invention provides an optical element switching device and an image recording device having the same, in which the position of the optical element is fixed after the position is switched and the shooting effect is good.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an optical element switching device, comprising:

[0007] The base has multiple optical elements arranged in a ring on the end face facing the glass window;

[0008] A drive mechanism, connected to the base, is used to drive the base to rotate so as to transport the optical element to a predetermined position;

[0009] The positioning mechanism, connected to the base, has a first state of being locked to the base when the optical element is rotated to a predetermined position, and a second state of being unlocked to the base when the driving mechanism drives the base to rotate.

[0010] Furthermore, the positioning mechanism includes a mounting plate, on which a positioning post or positioning hole is provided, and a corresponding positioning hole or positioning post is provided on the base. When the positioning mechanism is in a first state, the positioning post is inserted into the positioning hole and fixed, and when the positioning mechanism is in a second state, it retracts into the mounting plate or the base.

[0011] Furthermore, the positioning pin is a locking pin provided on the mounting plate, and the base is provided with a positioning hole. When power is applied, the locking pin retracts into the mounting plate to unlock. When power is de-energized, the locking pin extends out of the mounting plate and inserts into the positioning hole of the base to lock.

[0012] Furthermore, a connecting ring is provided on the outside of the base for connecting the control circuit of the optical element to an external circuit.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting ring is provided with a plurality of identification contacts for communicating with different position circuits of the positioning mechanism, and the number of the plurality of identification contacts is the same as the number of the optical elements.

[0014] Furthermore, the mounting plate is provided with: a plurality of first elastic contacts;

[0015] Multiple second elastic contacts, each having an elastic structure that allows it to elastically deform when the identification contact rotates to contact it, thereby abutting against the first elastic contact to enable the circuitry at different positions of the positioning mechanism to be turned on.

[0016] Furthermore, the mounting plate is provided with a plurality of third elastic contacts, which are corresponding to a plurality of contact pads provided on the connecting ring, and are used to conduct the control circuit of the optical element when the positioning mechanism is in the first state.

[0017] Furthermore, the connecting ring is also formed with a plurality of through holes at the position corresponding to the positioning hole, allowing the positioning post to pass through.

[0018] Furthermore, inside the base, below the predetermined position, is an image sensor for monitoring the position of the optical element, and the image sensor is coaxially arranged with the optical element at the predetermined position.

[0019] The present invention also provides an image recording device, including the aforementioned optical element switching device.

[0020] Furthermore, the image recording device is a camera.

[0021] The technical solution of this invention has the following advantages:

[0022] 1. The optical element switching device provided by the present invention includes: a base, on which a plurality of optical elements are arranged in a ring on the end face facing the glass window; a driving mechanism connected to the base for driving the base to rotate, thereby conveying the optical elements to a predetermined position; and a positioning mechanism connected to the base, having a first state of locking with the base when the optical element rotates to the predetermined position and a second state of unlocking with the base when the driving mechanism drives the base to rotate. When the optical element rotates to the predetermined position for shooting, the positioning mechanism locks the base, so that the position between the base and the positioning mechanism is relatively fixed, avoiding the situation where the base or the optical element continues to rotate under the action of external force during the shooting process, causing the optical element to deviate from the predetermined position, thereby improving the shooting accuracy and ensuring the shooting effect.

[0023] 2. In the optical element switching device provided by the present invention, the connecting ring is further formed with multiple through holes corresponding to the positioning hole, allowing the positioning post to pass through. The positioning post can pass through the through holes and the positioning holes provided on the base in sequence, making the positioning post more securely fixed to the base.

[0024] 3. The optical element switching device provided by the present invention includes an image sensor for monitoring the position of the optical element located inside the base and below the predetermined position. The image sensor is coaxially arranged with the optical element at the predetermined position. By monitoring the rotational position of the optical element through the image sensor and coaxially arranging the sensor with the optical element, shooting accuracy is ensured, thereby ensuring the shooting effect. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the optical element switching device provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting ring structure;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism;

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 1-Outer shell; 2-Glass window; 3-Base cover; 4-Connecting ring; 41-Touch pad; 42-Identification contact; 43-Through hole; 5-Base; 51-Positioning hole; 6-Optical element; 7-Drive mechanism; 8-Flange; 9-Positioning mechanism; 91-Connecting seat; 92-Mounting plate; 93-Second elastic contact; 94-First elastic contact; 95-Third elastic contact; 96-Connecting wire; 97-Positioning post; 10-Image sensor; 11-Circuit board; 12-Cover plate; 13-Base; Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0035] like Figure 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides an optical element switching device, comprising: a base 5, on which a plurality of optical elements 6 are arranged in a ring on the end face facing the glass window 2; a driving mechanism 7, connected to the base 5, for driving the base 5 to rotate so as to transport the optical elements 6 to a predetermined position; and a positioning mechanism 9, connected to the base 5, having a first state of being locked with the base 5 when the optical elements 6 rotate to the predetermined position and a second state of being unlocked with the base 5 when the driving mechanism 7 drives the base 5 to rotate.

[0036] A disc is located inside the base 5, and multiple optical elements 6 are arranged on the disc at predetermined intervals. In this embodiment, there are four optical elements 6. Of course, it can also be set to three, five, six, etc. The glass window 2 and the optical elements 6 are circular, but they can also be square, depending on actual needs. The driving mechanism 7 passes through the center of the disc and is located inside the base 5. A flange 8 is provided on the top of the driving mechanism 7, so that it is rotatably connected to the base 5. At this time, the driving mechanism 7 drives the disc and the base 5 to rotate synchronously. In this embodiment, the positioning mechanism 9 is located on the outside of the base 5. When the optical element 6 rotates to the predetermined position for shooting, the positioning mechanism 9 locks the base 5, which is the first state. This prevents the base 5 from continuing to rotate under the action of external force during the shooting process, which would cause the optical element 6 to deviate from the predetermined position, thereby improving the shooting accuracy and ensuring the shooting effect. When the driving mechanism 7 drives the base 5 to rotate, the base 5 is released from the lock of the positioning mechanism 9, which facilitates the rotation of the base 5, which is the second state. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 7 is a stepper motor, but it can also be a common drive motor, a voice coil motor, or an ultrasonic motor, which can be set according to actual needs.

[0037] As a variation, the positioning mechanism 9 can also be located at the bottom of the base 5.

[0038] like Figure 3-5 As shown, the positioning mechanism 9 includes a mounting plate 92, on which a positioning post 97 or a positioning hole 51 is provided. The base 5 is provided with a positioning hole 51 or a positioning post 97 at a corresponding position. When the positioning mechanism 9 is in the first state, the positioning post 97 is inserted into the positioning hole 51 and fixed. When the positioning mechanism 9 is in the second state, it retracts into the mounting plate 92 or the base 5.

[0039] The mounting plate 92 is an arc-shaped plate, and the curvature of the mounting plate 92 is the same as the curvature of the outer peripheral wall of the base 5, which facilitates a tight contact between the mounting plate 92 and the base 5 and reduces errors. The positioning post 97 is set on the mounting plate 92, and the positioning hole 51 is set at the corresponding position of the positioning post 97 on the base 5. When locking is required, the positioning post 97 is inserted into the positioning hole 51 to lock it; when the optical element 6 needs to be rotated, the positioning post 97 retracts into the interior of the mounting plate 92.

[0040] As a variation, the positioning post 97 is set on the base 5, and the positioning hole 51 is set on the mounting plate 92.

[0041] like Figure 2-5As shown, in this embodiment, the positioning pin 97 is a locking pin provided on the mounting plate 92, and the base 5 is provided with a positioning hole 51. When the power is on, the locking pin retracts into the mounting plate 92 to unlock. When the power is off, the locking pin extends out of the mounting plate 92 and inserts into the positioning hole 51 of the base 5 to lock.

[0042] A base 13 is provided at the bottom of the base 5, and a circuit board 11 is provided above the base 13. A cover plate 12 is provided on the circuit board 11. The cover plate 12 is made of non-reflective black material to protect the image sensor 10 and prevent dust and light pollution. A connecting line 96 is provided on the mounting plate 92. In this embodiment, the connecting line 96 is connected to the circuit board 11 in the form of a ribbon cable to form a first circuit.

[0043] A connecting seat 91 is provided on the outside of the mounting plate 92, and the connecting seat 91 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 92. A spring and an electromagnetic drive device are provided inside the mounting plate 92. When the base 5 rotates, the first circuit is turned on, and the electromagnetic drive device drives the spring to retract, thereby causing the locking pin to retract into the mounting plate 92, thus locking the base 5. When it is necessary to fix the base 5, the first circuit is de-energized, and the electromagnetic drive device pushes the spring and the locking pin to extend out of the mounting plate 92 and into the positioning hole 51, thereby completing the locking of the base 5.

[0044] like Figure 1-5 As shown, a connecting ring 4 is provided on the outside of the base 5 for connecting the control circuit of the optical element 6 to an external circuit.

[0045] A base cover 3 is located on the upper part of the outer surface of the base 5, and a connecting ring 4 is located on the lower part. A slide rail is provided on the base 5, and sliding grooves are provided on both the base cover 3 and the connecting ring 4. The base cover 3 and the connecting ring 4 are connected to the base 5 as a single unit through the sliding grooves and the slide rail. The connecting ring 4 is connected to the circuits of four optical elements respectively through connecting wires, which are housed inside the base cover 3 for protection. A housing 1 is fitted over the base cover 3, the connecting ring 4, and the positioning mechanism 9 to protect the internal structure and prevent dust from entering the base cover 3, the connecting ring 4, and the positioning mechanism 9, thus affecting the shooting effect. Sealing gaskets are installed at the locations where the housing 1 contacts the recording equipment to prevent moisture or dust, and also to prevent ambient light from entering the interior of the housing 1 and affecting the shooting effect.

[0046] like Figure 3-5 As shown, the connecting ring 4 is provided with a plurality of identification contacts 42 for connecting with the positioning mechanism 9 at different positions, and the number of the plurality of identification contacts 42 is the same as the number of the optical elements 6.

[0047] In this embodiment, four identification contacts 42 are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting ring 4. The number of identification contacts 42 is the same as the number of optical elements 6, and the identification contacts 42 are connected to the optical elements 6 by connecting lines. Furthermore, the identification contacts 42 are located at different positions on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting ring 4, and are distributed at different heights on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting ring 4.

[0048] The mounting plate 92 is provided with: a plurality of first elastic contacts 94; a plurality of second elastic contacts 93, wherein the second elastic contacts 93 have an elastic structure that causes elastic deformation when the identification contact 42 rotates to contact it, thereby abutting against the first elastic contacts 94 so that the circuits at different positions of the positioning mechanism 9 are turned on.

[0049] Four second elastic contacts 93 are sequentially arranged along the vertical direction of the mounting plate 92. Each second elastic contact 93 is made of a conductive elastic material. Four identification contacts 42 correspond to a second elastic contact 93. When an identification contact 42 rotates to the corresponding second elastic contact 93, it drives the second elastic contact 93 to undergo elastic deformation, causing it to contact the first elastic contact 94, thereby activating a second circuit. This second circuit determines whether the optical element 6 is the optical element 6 to be photographed in this scenario. If it is, the positioning post 97, driven by the first circuit, is inserted into the positioning hole 51, thereby locking the base 5 for photographing. If not, the driving mechanism 7 continues to drive the base 5 to rotate until it reaches the desired optical element 6.

[0050] like Figure 3-5 As shown, the mounting plate 92 is also provided with a plurality of third elastic contacts 95, which are corresponding to a plurality of contact pads 41 provided on the connecting ring 4, and are used to conduct the control circuit of the optical element 6 when the positioning mechanism 9 is in the first state.

[0051] Below the second elastic contact 93, there are multiple third elastic contacts 95. At positions corresponding to the third elastic contacts 95 on the connecting ring 4, there are multiple contact pads 41. In this embodiment, the number of third elastic contacts 95 and contact pads 41 is nine (this is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual number of third elastic contacts 95 and contact pads 41; the specific number can be set according to actual needs). After the locking pin is inserted into the positioning hole 51 and locked, the third elastic contacts 95 and contact pads 41 are connected, thereby activating the third circuit. The third circuit then transmits control signals to the optical element 6, thereby controlling the optical element 6 to take pictures.

[0052] The connecting ring 4 also has multiple through holes 43 formed at positions corresponding to the positioning holes 51, allowing the positioning pin 97 to pass through. Since the connecting ring 4 is sleeved on the outside of the base 5 and rotates synchronously with the base 5, when the positioning pin 97 is inserted into the positioning hole 51, it first passes through the through holes 43 on the connecting ring 4 before entering the positioning hole 51. Because the positioning pin 97 passes through the through holes 43 and the positioning hole 51 in sequence, the positioning pin 97 is more securely fixed to the base 5.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, inside the base 5, below the predetermined position, there is an image sensor 10 that records images through the optical element 6, and the image sensor 10 is coaxially arranged with the optical element 6 at the predetermined position.

[0054] An opening for the image sensor 10 is provided on the cover plate 12. The inner and outer edges of the base 5 are both annular protrusions. The protrusions on the inner edge are used to separate the optical element 6 from the drive mechanism 7, while the protrusions on the outer edge prevent additional light from entering the image sensor 10, thereby improving the shooting effect.

[0055] As a variation, the drive mechanism 7 can be set outside the base 5, and a bearing is provided on the base 5. The drive mechanism 7 is connected to the bearing through a gear. The drive mechanism 7 drives the gear to mesh with the bearing, thereby driving the base 5 to rotate.

[0056] As a variation, a bearing can also be provided on the base 5, which is connected to the center of the base 13 via a connecting shaft. The base 5 can be rotated by manually driving the connecting shaft.

[0057] The present invention also provides an image recording device, including the aforementioned optical element switching device. In this embodiment, the image recording device is a camera.

[0058] The specific working process is as follows: When the first circuit issues a command to switch the optical element 6, the positioning post 97 is controlled by the first circuit to retract from the positioning hole 51 into the mounting plate 92, thereby releasing the lock on the base 5. Then, the first circuit controls the drive mechanism 7 to rotate, rotating the required optical element 6 above the image sensor 10 at the glass window 2. The identification contact 42 drives the second elastic contact 93 at the corresponding height to undergo elastic deformation, causing the second elastic contact 93 to contact the first elastic contact 94, thereby activating the second circuit. The second circuit determines whether the optical element 6 is the one that needs to be photographed in this scene. If it is, the positioning post 97, driven by the first circuit, is inserted into the positioning hole 51, thereby locking the base 5 for photographing. If not, the drive mechanism 7 continues to drive the base 5 to rotate until the required optical element 6 is reached. After the positioning post 97 is inserted into the positioning hole 51 and locked, it is connected to the contact pad 41 through the third elastic contact 95, thereby conducting the third circuit. The control signal is then transmitted to the optical element 6 through the third circuit, thereby controlling the optical element 6 to take pictures.

[0059] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An optical element switching device, characterized in that, include: The base (5) has multiple optical elements (6) arranged in a ring on the end face facing the glass window (2); A drive mechanism (7) is connected to the base (5) and is used to drive the base (5) to rotate so as to transport the optical element (6) to a predetermined position; The positioning mechanism (9) is connected to the base (5) and has a first state in which it is locked to the base (5) when the optical element (6) is rotated to a predetermined position and a second state in which it is unlocked to the base (5) when the driving mechanism (7) drives the base (5) to rotate. The base (5) has a base (13) at its bottom, a circuit board (11) is provided above the base (13), and a cover plate (12) is provided on the circuit board (11). The cover plate (12) is made of non-reflective black material. Inside the base (5), an image sensor (10) for monitoring the position of the optical element (6) is provided below the predetermined position. The image sensor (10) is coaxially arranged with the optical element (6) at the predetermined position. The base (5) has annular protrusions on both its inner and outer edges. The protrusions on the inner edge are used to separate the optical element (6) from the drive mechanism (7), and the protrusions on the outer edge block additional light from entering the image sensor (10).

2. The optical element switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism (9) includes a mounting plate (92), on which a positioning post (97) or a positioning hole (51) is provided. The base (5) is provided with a positioning hole (51) or a positioning post (97) at a corresponding position. When the positioning mechanism (9) is in a first state, the positioning post (97) is inserted into the positioning hole (51) and fixed. When the positioning mechanism (9) is in a second state, it retracts into the mounting plate (92) or the base (5).

3. The optical element switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning pin (97) is a locking pin provided on the mounting plate (92). The base (5) is provided with a positioning hole (51). When the power is on, the locking pin retracts into the mounting plate (92) to unlock. When the power is off, the locking pin extends out of the mounting plate (92) and inserts into the positioning hole (51) of the base (5) to lock.

4. The optical element switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A connecting ring (4) is provided on the outside of the base (5) for connecting the control circuit of the optical element (6) to an external circuit.

5. The optical element switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting ring (4) is provided with a plurality of identification contacts (42) for connecting to the positioning mechanism (9) at different positions, and the number of the plurality of identification contacts (42) is the same as the number of the optical elements (6).

6. The optical element switching device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting plate (92) is provided with: Multiple first elastic contacts (94); Multiple second elastic contacts (93) have elastic structures that allow them to elastically deform when the identification contact (42) rotates to contact it, thereby abutting against the first elastic contact (94) to enable the circuits of the positioning mechanism (9) to be turned on at different positions.

7. The optical element switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting plate (92) is also provided with a plurality of third elastic contacts (95), which are corresponding to a plurality of contact pads (41) provided on the connecting ring (4) and are used to conduct the control circuit of the optical element (6) when the positioning mechanism (9) is in the first state.

8. The optical element switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting ring (4) is also formed with a plurality of through holes (43) at the position corresponding to the positioning hole (51) to allow the positioning post (97) to pass through.

9. An image recording device, characterized in that, Includes the optical element switching device according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The image recording device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The image recording device is a camera.

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