A lens protector and a photographing apparatus

By designing a lens hood, the problem of inconvenience in using existing lens protectors in different scenarios has been solved. It provides dust and water protection and easy operation, improving the user experience and enhancing underwater shooting capabilities.

CN112702501BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-11ARASHI VISION INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202011604829.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-12-30
Publication Date
2025-11-11
Estimated Expiration
2040-12-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing lens protection lenses are inconvenient to use in different scenarios, require frequent replacement, affect user experience, and are costly. Furthermore, existing lens protection lenses are inconvenient to operate or have poor waterproof performance when used underwater.

Method used

Design a lens cover, including a first housing and a second housing respectively located on both sides of the shooting device, connected by a locking structure, and a transparent part installed to form a sealed space, which has the functions of dustproof and waterproof and is convenient for touch screen operation.

Benefits of technology

It enables convenient operation in different scenarios, improves user experience, reduces the frequency of lens protection lens replacement, enhances underwater shooting capabilities, and facilitates panoramic stitching of images and videos.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention relates to the field of lens protection technology and discloses a lens protector and a shooting device. The lens protector includes a first housing and a second housing respectively disposed on opposite sides of the shooting device. The first housing and / or the second housing cover the shooting module in the shooting device. The first housing and / or the second housing contact the surface of the shooting device and form a sealed space. The first housing and the second housing are connected by a locking structure. The first housing and / or the second housing are fitted with a transparent component corresponding to the shooting module in the shooting device. This invention also provides a shooting device, including the shooting device and the aforementioned lens protector. The lens protector and shooting device provided by this invention combine dust and water protection with lens protection functions, and the lens protector does not affect the user's touchscreen operation of the shooting device.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of lens protection technology, and particularly relates to a lens protective cover and shooting device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are two types of lens protectors for action cameras on the market. One is a full-frame lens protector, used for diving; the other is a single-lens protector, which uses a single lens to protect the camera lens from scratches. However, both types of lens protectors on the market have their own problems when used:

[0003] Full-frame lens protectors are only chosen by users for underwater use. Because they completely enclose the action camera, the touchscreen cannot be operated underwater, and the camera can only be controlled via the power button and the shutter button. Even when using existing full-frame lens protectors, users cannot select shooting modes, making operation very inconvenient. For shooting on water, they are too bulky and inconvenient to operate, so they are not chosen as lens protectors. Moreover, the handheld end of a full-frame lens protector is generally quite thick and heavy, making it difficult to achieve panoramic stitching effects in post-production image or video stitching and editing.

[0004] Single-lens protective lenses are mainly attached to action cameras using double-sided tape. Single-lens protective lenses have poor waterproofing capabilities, and water can enter the lens when used underwater. They are generally only chosen by users for shooting in water-based scenarios.

[0005] Therefore, users currently need to change to specific lens protection lenses when shooting in different scenarios. The replacement operation is also quite cumbersome, affecting the user experience. At the same time, users need to configure different types of protective lenses, which increases the cost of use. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems by providing a lens cover and shooting device that combines dust and water protection with lens protection, and the lens cover does not affect the user's touch screen operation of the shooting device.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is: a lens protective cover, comprising a first housing and a second housing respectively disposed on opposite sides of a shooting device, wherein the first housing and / or the second housing cover the position of the shooting module in the shooting device, the first housing and / or the second housing contact the surface of the shooting device and form a sealed space, the first housing and the second housing are connected by a locking structure, and the first housing and / or the second housing are equipped with a transparent component corresponding to the shooting module in the shooting device.

[0008] Optionally, a sealing ring is provided between the first housing and / or the second housing and the surface of the shooting device.

[0009] Optionally, the first housing and the second housing are respectively provided with annular mounting grooves, the sealing ring is installed in the annular mounting grooves, and the height of the sealing ring is greater than the depth of the annular mounting grooves.

[0010] Optionally, the sealing ring includes a positioning part and a contact part disposed on the positioning part. The positioning part has a rectangular cross-section and is used for positioning and cooperating with the annular mounting groove. The contact part has a contact plane that fits with the positioning part and an arc surface connected to opposite ends of the contact plane. The contact part increases the contact area with the shooting device by extrusion deformation.

[0011] Optionally, the first housing and the second housing are connected by a hinge structure.

[0012] Optionally, the hinge structure includes two connecting arms and a connector, with the two connecting arms spaced apart from the first housing and the connector connected to the second housing; or, the two connecting arms spaced apart from the second housing and the connector connected to the first housing.

[0013] The connector is located between the two connecting arms, and both connecting arms and the connector are provided with through holes for the rotating shaft to pass through.

[0014] Optionally, at least one locking structure is provided, and when there is only one locking structure, the locking structure is disposed opposite to the hinge structure.

[0015] When there are two locking structures, the two locking structures are symmetrically arranged about the hinge structure.

[0016] Optionally, the locking structure is a snap-fit ​​structure, a threaded locking structure, or a pin structure.

[0017] Optionally, the buckle structure includes a hook and a slot, wherein the hook is rotatably connected to the first housing and the slot is disposed in the second housing; or, the hook is rotatably connected to the second housing and the slot is disposed in the first housing.

[0018] The connection between the first housing and the second housing is achieved by rotating the hook portion so that it engages with the slot.

[0019] Optionally, the first housing and / or the second housing are provided with a recess for mounting the transparent component, and the transparent component is bonded to the recess by double-sided adhesive.

[0020] Optionally, the transparent component is a glass component, a PC component, or an acrylic component.

[0021] The present invention also provides a shooting device, including a shooting device and the above-mentioned lens cover.

[0022] The lens cover and shooting device provided by this invention protect the shooting module by placing a first housing and / or a second housing over the shooting module in the shooting device, preventing damage during daily use. Simultaneously, the shooting module is located within a sealed space formed by the contact between the first housing and / or the second housing and the surface of the shooting device, effectively preventing external dust, moisture, and other substances from entering the shooting module, thus providing dust and water protection and enabling the shooting device to operate underwater. Furthermore, when used with the shooting device, the lens cover allows users to easily adjust shooting modes and parameters via the touchscreen, as other parts of the shooting device (e.g., the touchscreen and various function buttons) are located outside the lens cover. This eliminates the need for an additional handheld device, facilitating panoramic stitching in post-production image or video editing and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lens cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The main view;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a lens cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sealing ring in a lens cover provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lens cover and a shooting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top view;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Sectional view at point AA.

[0031] In the diagram, 1-lens protective cover, 10-sunken groove, 11-first housing, 110-viewing window, 12-second housing, 13-hinge structure, 131-connecting arm, 132-connector, 133-through hole, 134-rotating shaft, 2-shooting device, 21-touch screen, 22-button, 23-front shooting module, 24-rear shooting module, 201-first sealed space, 202-second sealed space, 3-locking structure, 31-hook part, 32-slot, 4-transparent part, 5-sealing ring, 50-annular mounting groove, 51-positioning part, 52-contact part, 521-contact plane, 522-arc surface. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to direct setup or connection, or indirect setup or connection through centered components or centered structures.

[0034] Furthermore, in embodiments of this invention, terms such as "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are used to indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or in a conventional placement or usage state. These terms are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the structures, features, devices, or elements referred to must have a specific orientation or positional relationship, nor that they must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0035] The various specific technical features and embodiments described in the detailed embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different implementation methods can be formed by combining different specific technical features / embodiments. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the various specific technical features / embodiments in this invention will not be described separately.

[0036] The shooting device 2 in this invention refers to a device such as a mobile phone, a motion panoramic camera, a smartwatch, or a smart bracelet. This shooting device 2 has a front-facing shooting module and / or a rear-facing shooting module, with the front-facing and rear-facing shooting modules having different shooting directions. Specifically, the front-facing and rear-facing shooting modules have opposite shooting directions.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a lens cover 1, including a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the shooting device 2, and the first housing 11 or / and the second housing 12 cover the position of the shooting module in the shooting device 2, the first housing 11 or / and the second housing 12 contacting the surface of the shooting device 2 and forming a sealed space (see...). Figure 7 The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are connected by a locking structure 3. The first housing 11 and / or the second housing 12 are equipped with a transparent part 4 corresponding to the shooting module in the shooting device 2. For example, a viewfinder window 110 can be opened on the first housing 11 and / or the second housing 12, and the transparent part 4 covers the viewfinder window 110 so that the shooting module can obtain the shooting image through the transparent part 4.

[0038] In this embodiment, the shooting device 2 is described using a motion panoramic camera with a front-facing shooting module 23 and a rear-facing shooting module 24 as an example. Correspondingly, transparent parts 4 corresponding to the front-facing shooting module 23 and the rear-facing shooting module 24 are respectively installed on the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The lenses of the front-facing shooting module 23 and the rear-facing shooting module 24 can be fisheye lenses. For example, Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 respectively cover the front-facing shooting module 23 and the rear-facing shooting module 24 of the motion panoramic camera. The first housing 11 contacts the surface of the shooting device 2 and forms a first sealed space 201, and the second housing 12 contacts the surface of the shooting device 2 and forms a second sealed space 202. On the one hand, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are used to protect the front-facing shooting module 23 and the rear-facing shooting module 24 of the motion panoramic camera, respectively, to prevent damage to the shooting modules due to bumps or even accidental drops during daily use. On the other hand, the front-facing shooting module 23 and the rear-facing shooting module 24 of the motion panoramic camera are located in a sealed space, which can prevent external dust, water, and water vapor from entering the shooting modules, thus providing dust and water protection and enabling the motion panoramic camera to have underwater shooting capabilities. When shooting underwater, the resolution of the shooting modules can be improved. The lens cover 1 is small and exquisite in structure, and is easy for users to hold when used with the shooting device 2. At the same time, other parts of the shooting device 2, except for the shooting module (such as the touch screen 21 and various function buttons 22), are located outside the lens cover 1, which makes it convenient for users to adjust the shooting mode and shooting parameters, making it easy to use and improving the user experience.

[0039] Optionally, a sealing ring 5 is provided between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 and the surface of the shooting device 2. The sealing ring 5 makes the contact between the surface of the first housing 11 and the surface of the shooting device 2, and between the second housing 12 and the surface of the shooting device 2, more compact, so as to ensure good dustproof and waterproof effect.

[0040] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are respectively provided with annular mounting grooves 50. For example, the annular mounting grooves 50 are provided on the end face of the first housing 11 that contacts the shooting device 2, and on the end face of the second housing 12 that contacts the shooting device 2. The sealing ring 5 is installed in the annular mounting groove 50, and the height of the sealing ring 5 is higher than the depth of the annular mounting groove 50, thereby ensuring that the sealing ring 5 maintains good contact with the surface of the shooting device 2, thus ensuring sealing performance. In practical applications, if the shooting device 2 only has a front shooting module 23 or a rear shooting module 24, the sealing ring 5 can be provided only on the first housing 11 or the second housing 12, or the sealing ring 5 can be provided on both the first housing 11 and the second housing 12.

[0041] Specifically, a buffer layer (not shown in the figure) can be provided on the end face of the first housing 11 that contacts the imaging device 2, and on the end face of the second housing 12 that contacts the imaging device 2. Through the buffering effect of the buffer layer, direct contact between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 with the imaging device 2 can be avoided during use, preventing wear on the surface of the imaging device 2. The buffer layer can be a foam layer or a rubber layer, etc. When a buffer layer is provided on the end face of the first housing 11 that contacts the imaging device 2, and on the end face of the second housing 12 that contacts the imaging device 2, the height of the sealing ring 5 is greater than the sum of the depth of the annular mounting groove 50 and the height of the buffer layer.

[0042] Optionally, the sealing ring 5 is a soft rubber ring. The soft rubber ring has a certain elasticity, and it can generate a certain elastic force when compressed, ensuring that the sealing ring 5 fits snugly against the shooting device 2 when in contact with the shooting device 2.

[0043] Preferably, the sealing ring 5 is a silicone ring.

[0044] Optionally, such as Figure 4As shown, the sealing ring 5 includes a positioning part 51 and a contact part 52 provided on the positioning part 51. The positioning part 51 has a rectangular cross-section and is used to position and cooperate with the annular mounting groove 50 for easy assembly and positioning. The contact part 52 has a contact plane 521 and an arc surface 522. The contact plane 521 is in close contact with the positioning part 51, and the arc surface 522 is connected to the opposite ends of the contact plane 521. With this arrangement, when the contact part 52 contacts the shooting device 2, the contact changes from line contact to surface contact due to compression deformation, thereby increasing the contact area with the shooting device 2 and further ensuring the fit between the sealing ring 5 and the shooting device 2.

[0045] Specifically, the positioning part 51 and the contact part 52 are integrally formed structures.

[0046] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are connected by a hinge structure 13, allowing them to rotate relative to each other. This makes them simple and convenient to use, especially when the lens of the shooting module is a fisheye lens. The hinge structure allows the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 to rotate around the hinge structure 13, making it easier to remove the lens cover without damaging the fisheye lens. Furthermore, connecting the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 into a single unit makes them easy to carry and solves the problem of parts being easily lost or misplaced when not in use.

[0047] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the hinge structure 13 includes two connecting arms 131 and a connector 132. The second housing 12 is connected to the connector 132. The two connecting arms 131 are installed on the first housing 11 at intervals. The connector 132 is located between the two connecting arms 131. Both the two connecting arms 131 and the connector 132 are provided with through holes 133 for the rotating shaft 134 to pass through. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can rotate around the rotating shaft 134.

[0048] Specifically, the two connecting arms 131 and the first housing 11 are integrally formed, and the connecting member 132 and the second housing 12 are integrally formed.

[0049] In practical applications, the two connecting arms 131 can also be set on the second housing 12, in which case the connector 132 is connected to the first housing 11.

[0050] In practical applications, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can also be connected by other hinge structures.

[0051] Optionally, at least one locking structure 3 is provided, and when there is only one locking structure 3, the locking structure 3 is arranged opposite to the hinge structure 13.

[0052] When there are two locking structures 3, such as Figure 6As shown, the two locking structures 3 are symmetrically arranged about the hinge structure 13, which makes the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 have good stability and aesthetic appearance after connection.

[0053] Optionally, the locking structure 3 can be a snap-fit ​​structure, a threaded locking structure, or a pin structure, which can enable quick installation and removal of the lens cover 1 for user convenience.

[0054] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the locking structure 3 is a snap-fit ​​structure. The snap-fit ​​structure includes a hook portion 31 and a slot 32. The hook portion 31 is rotatably connected to the first housing 11, allowing it to rotate relative to the first housing 11. The slot 32 is located in the second housing 12. In use, the user rotates the hook portion 31 so that it approaches the second housing 12 and engages with the slot 32, thus connecting the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. To disengage the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the user pries the hook portion 31, causing it to disengage from the slot 32.

[0055] In another embodiment, the hook portion 31 can be rotatably connected to the second housing 12, while the slot 32 is provided on the first housing 11.

[0056] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are provided with recesses 10 for mounting the transparent component 4. The recesses 10 also serve to limit the movement of the transparent component 4, facilitating assembly. In some embodiments, the transparent component 4 is embedded within the recesses 10, and the transparent component 4 is bonded to the recesses 10.

[0057] Optionally, the transparent part 4 and the sink 10 can be connected by double-sided tape. Using double-sided tape can provide some cushioning for the transparent part 4 when it is impacted, thus solving the problem that the transparent part 4 is easy to break when it is impacted.

[0058] Optionally, the transparent component 4 can be made of glass, PC (polycarbonate) or acrylic, etc. That is, the transparent component 4 is made of a material with good light transmittance so that the shooting module can obtain a clear image.

[0059] Specifically, see Figure 7 The transparent part 4 can be configured with a predetermined curvature as needed, so that light can enter the lens of the shooting module perpendicular to the transparent part 4, without worrying about the image captured by the shooting module being distorted.

[0060] Preferably, the transparent part 4 is a glass part. Compared with PC (polycarbonate) parts and acrylic parts, glass parts have higher hardness, making the transparent part 4 less prone to scratches.

[0061] The present invention also provides a shooting device, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it includes the shooting device 2 and the lens cover 1 mentioned above.

[0062] The lens cover 1 and shooting device provided in this embodiment of the invention protect the shooting module by covering the shooting module position in the shooting device 2 with the first housing 11 or / and the second housing 12, thus preventing damage to the shooting module during daily use. At the same time, the shooting module is located in the sealed space formed by the contact between the first housing 11 or / and the second housing 12 and the surface of the shooting device 2, which can effectively prevent external dust, moisture and water from entering the shooting module, thus playing a role in dustproof and waterproof, enabling the shooting device 2 to have the function of underwater operation.

[0063] The lens cover 1 of the present invention has the functions of dust and water protection and lens protection. When used with the shooting device 2, all other parts of the shooting device 2 except the shooting module (such as the touch screen 21 and various function buttons 22) are located outside the lens cover 1, which makes it convenient for users to adjust the shooting mode and shooting parameters. Furthermore, there is no additional handheld end on the basis of the original shooting device. In the post-processing of image or video stitching and editing, it is easier to achieve the panoramic stitching effect, thereby improving the user experience.

[0064] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lens protective cover, characterized in that, The device includes a first housing and a second housing disposed on opposite sides of the shooting device, with the first housing and / or the second housing covering the shooting module in the shooting device. The first housing and / or the second housing are in contact with the surface of the shooting device and form independent sealed spaces. The first housing and the second housing are connected by a locking structure and can rotate relative to each other. The first housing and / or the second housing are equipped with transparent parts corresponding to the shooting module in the shooting device. The lens cover is used to cover the shooting module in the shooting device, and other parts of the shooting device except the shooting module are located outside the lens cover.

2. The lens cover as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing ring is provided between the first housing and / or the second housing and the surface of the shooting device.

3. The lens cover as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first housing and the second housing are respectively provided with annular mounting grooves, the sealing ring is installed in the annular mounting grooves, and the height of the sealing ring is greater than the depth of the annular mounting grooves.

4. The lens cover as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing ring includes a positioning part and a contact part disposed on the positioning part. The positioning part has a rectangular cross-section and is used to position and cooperate with the annular mounting groove. The contact part has a contact plane that fits with the positioning part and an arc surface connected to opposite ends of the contact plane. The contact part increases the contact area with the shooting device by extrusion deformation.

5. The lens cover as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing and the second housing are connected by a hinge structure.

6. The lens cover as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The hinge structure includes two connecting arms and a connector. The two connecting arms are spaced apart from the first housing, and the second housing is connected to the connector. Alternatively, the two connecting arms are spaced apart from the second housing, and the first housing is connected to the connector. The connector is located between the two connecting arms, and both connecting arms and the connector are provided with through holes for the rotating shaft to pass through.

7. The lens cover as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The locking structure is at least one, and when there is only one locking structure, the locking structure is arranged opposite to the hinge structure. When there are two locking structures, the two locking structures are symmetrically arranged about the hinge structure.

8. The lens cover as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The locking structure is a snap-fit ​​structure, a threaded locking structure, or a pin structure.

9. The lens cover as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The buckle structure includes a hook and a slot. The hook is rotatably connected to the first housing and the slot is located in the second housing. Alternatively, the hook is rotatably connected to the second housing and the slot is located in the first housing. The connection between the first housing and the second housing is achieved by rotating the hook portion so that it engages with the slot.

10. The lens cover as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first housing and / or the second housing are provided with a recess for mounting the transparent component, and the transparent component is bonded to the recess by double-sided adhesive.

11. The lens cover as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The transparent component is made of glass, PC, or acrylic.

12. A shooting device, characterized in that, Includes shooting equipment and a lens cover as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

Citation Information

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