camera
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HANGZHOU MICROIMAGE SOFTWARE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
Smart Images

Figure CN116017125B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of camera technology, and more particularly to a camera. Background Technology
[0002] During the process of taking photos or capturing images, cameras typically adjust their focus to obtain higher-resolution images. Existing cameras have complex focusing mechanisms, leading to low reliability during operation. Furthermore, the focusing mechanism occupies a significant amount of space, resulting in insufficient space for other functional components within the camera and hindering miniaturization. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a camera that simplifies the camera's structure and enables a miniaturized camera design.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application provide the following technical solutions:
[0005] On one hand, a camera is provided. The camera includes a lens, a focusing tube, and a detector assembly. The lens has an optical axis. The focusing tube is sleeved on the rear of the lens and is slidably connected to the lens. The detector assembly is fixed to the focusing tube. During the sliding of the focusing tube relative to the lens, the detector assembly moves relative to the lens along the optical axis of the lens.
[0006] The camera provided in this application embodiment uses a focusing tube fitted onto the rear of the lens and slidably connected to it. As the focusing tube slides relative to the lens, it drives the detector assembly to move along the lens's optical axis, thereby achieving the camera's focusing function. Furthermore, the lens and focusing tube have overlapping areas along the lens's optical axis, thus utilizing the existing space of the lens to reduce the space occupied by the lens and focusing tube in the optical axis direction. This facilitates the placement of functional components within the camera and promotes miniaturization. Additionally, the camera in this application embodiment uses the lens as the sliding base for the focusing tube, reusing the lens's space. This reduces the number of camera components, simplifies the structure, and consequently improves the camera's reliability.
[0007] In some embodiments, the rear end of the lens is provided with an annular protrusion that cooperates with the inner wall of the focusing tube.
[0008] In some embodiments, the number of the annular protrusions is multiple, and the multiple annular protrusions are spaced apart.
[0009] In some embodiments, an oil storage groove is provided on the circumferential surface of the annular protrusion that contacts the inner wall of the focusing cylinder.
[0010] In some embodiments, the lens includes a plurality of lenses arranged sequentially along the optical axis, at least one of the lenses being located at the tail of the lens.
[0011] In some embodiments, the camera further includes a focusing connection assembly and a focusing drive assembly. The focusing connection assembly is disposed on the side of the detector assembly away from the lens and is connected to the detector assembly. The focusing drive assembly is disposed on the side of the focusing connection assembly away from the lens and is connected to the focusing connection assembly, and the focusing drive assembly is used to move the detector assembly via the focusing connection assembly.
[0012] In some embodiments, the focusing connection assembly includes a ball-end plate and a ball-end connecting rod. The ball-end plate is fixed to the detector assembly. A first end of the ball-end connecting rod is connected to the detector assembly via the ball-end plate, and a second end of the ball-end connecting rod is connected to the focusing drive assembly.
[0013] In some embodiments, the focusing connection assembly includes a universal joint and a connecting rod. A first end of the universal joint is fixed to the detector assembly. A first end of the connecting rod is connected to a second end of the universal joint, and the second end of the connecting rod is connected to the focusing drive assembly.
[0014] In some embodiments, the focusing barrel has an opening in its wall that exposes the lens. The camera further includes an anti-rotation guide post located within the opening and fixedly connected to the lens. Along the axial direction of the lens, the size of the opening is larger than the size of the anti-rotation guide post. Along the circumferential direction of the lens, the size of the opening is equal to the size of the anti-rotation guide post.
[0015] In some embodiments, along the extension direction of the optical axis of the lens, the opposite ends of the anti-rotation guide post are arc-shaped, and the opposite ends of the opening are arc-shaped.
[0016] In some embodiments, the camera further includes a dustproof cloth fixed to the outer wall of the focusing tube, and the dustproof cloth covers the opening.
[0017] In some embodiments, the lens includes an infrared lens. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a camera provided in one implementation method;
[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1An exploded view from a Chinese camera;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of region M in the middle. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The technical solutions in some embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0024] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising," are interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," or "some examples" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with this embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.
[0025] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0026] In describing some embodiments, the term "connection" and its derivative expressions may be used. The term "connection" should be interpreted broadly; for example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content of this document.
[0027] In addition, the use of “based on” implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations or other actions “based on” one or more of the stated conditions or values may in practice be based on additional conditions or values beyond those stated.
[0028] This document describes exemplary embodiments with reference to sectional views and / or plan views, which are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the areas are enlarged for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings are contemplated due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the areas shown herein, but rather include shape deviations due to, for example, manufacturing. Thus, the areas shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shapes of areas of the device, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.
[0029] The embodiments provided in this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030] In one implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the camera includes a focusing base 1', a linear drive assembly 2', a focusing inner cylinder 3', a detector assembly 4', and a lens (not shown). The linear drive assembly 2' is fixed to one end opening of the focusing base 1'. The focusing inner cylinder 3' is located inside the focusing base 1' and is fixedly connected to the detector assembly 4'. The lens is positioned on the side of the detector assembly 4' away from the focusing base 1'. Light passes through the lens and is directed to the detector assembly 4' to achieve imaging. The focusing inner cylinder 3' serves as a connecting component between the linear drive assembly 2' and the detector assembly 4'. It moves axially within the focusing base 1', thereby causing the detector assembly 4' to move back and forth relative to the lens to achieve focusing.
[0031] However, the above-mentioned components have a relatively complex structure and occupy a lot of space in the optical axis direction, which affects the setting of other functional components in the camera.
[0032] Based on this, this application provides a camera 100, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the camera 100 includes a lens 1, a focusing tube 2, and a detector assembly 3. Figure 3As shown, lens 1 has an optical axis L. Focusing tube 2 is sleeved on the rear of lens 1 and is slidably connected to lens 1. Detector assembly 3 is fixed on focusing tube 2.
[0033] For example, the camera 100 also includes a housing and functional components 4 (e.g., a battery compartment). The housing can protect the camera 100, and the functional components 4 are used to provide different functions for the camera 100. For example, the battery compartment can provide power to the camera 100.
[0034] In some examples, lens 1 includes an infrared lens and an infrared focal plane array on the detector assembly, enabling infrared thermal imaging.
[0035] Alternatively, lens 1 may include other types of lenses, with an image sensor adapted to them on the detector assembly. Different types of lenses and sensors can enable camera 100 to form different images.
[0036] For example, lens 1 has an incident light surface through which light can enter lens 1 and exit from the rear of lens 1. The relative position of lens 1 in camera 100 remains unchanged.
[0037] For example, the optical axis L of lens 1 is the axis of symmetry of lens 1.
[0038] The focusing tube 2 is fitted onto the rear of the lens, thus the lens 1 can provide support for the focusing tube 2, and the focusing tube 2 can also protect the rear of the lens 1. Furthermore, in the extension direction of the optical axis L of the lens 1, the lens 1 and the focusing tube 2 have overlapping areas. Therefore, the existing space of the lens 1 can be utilized to reduce the space occupied by the lens 1 and the focusing tube 2 in the axial direction of the lens 1, which facilitates the placement of the functional components 4 within the camera 100.
[0039] In some examples, as the focusing tube 2 slides relative to the lens 1, it causes the detector assembly 3 to move relative to the lens 1 along the optical axis L of the lens 1.
[0040] By setting the above, the distance between lens 1 and detector assembly 3 in the extension direction of the optical axis L of lens 1 can be changed, thereby realizing the focusing function of camera 100.
[0041] Therefore, the camera 100 provided in this application embodiment, by having the focusing tube 2 sleeved on the rear of the lens 1 and slidably connected to the lens 1, allows the focusing tube 2 to drive the detector assembly 3 to move relative to the lens 1 along the optical axis L of the lens 1 during the sliding process of the focusing tube 2 relative to the lens 1, thereby realizing the focusing function of the camera 100. Furthermore, in the extension direction of the optical axis L of the lens 1, the lens 1 and the focusing tube 2 have overlapping areas. Therefore, the existing space of the lens 1 can be utilized to reduce the space occupied by the lens 1 and the focusing tube 2 in the extension direction of the optical axis L of the lens 1, facilitating the placement of functional components 4 within the camera 100 and contributing to the miniaturization design of the camera 100. In addition, the camera 100 in this application embodiment utilizes the lens 1 as the sliding base of the focusing tube 2, achieving reuse of the space occupied by the lens 1. This reduces the number of components in the camera 100, simplifies the structure, and correspondingly improves the reliability of the camera 100.
[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rear of the lens 1 is provided with an annular protrusion 11, which cooperates with the inner wall of the focusing tube 2.
[0043] For example, the radial dimension of the annular protrusion 11 of the lens 1 is the same as the inner diameter of the focusing barrel 2.
[0044] Through the above configuration, a surface contact can be formed between the focusing tube 2 and the annular protrusion 11, making the sliding of the focusing tube 2 relative to the lens 1 smoother. Furthermore, the annular protrusion 11 can limit the movement direction of the focusing tube 2 to the extension direction of its outer surface, thus providing guidance for the movement of the focusing tube 2 and preventing radial wobbling of the focusing tube 2 in the lens 1 from affecting the focusing of the camera 100. In addition, by having the annular protrusion 11 cooperate with the inner wall of the focusing tube 2, dust can be prevented from entering the detector assembly 3 through the gap between the focusing tube 2 and the lens 1, thereby protecting the detector assembly 3 and ensuring its imaging quality.
[0045] In some embodiments, the lens 1 includes a plurality of lenses arranged sequentially along the optical axis L, with at least one lens located at the tail of the lens 1.
[0046] For example, different lenses have different functions, which allows the camera 100 to form different images. For instance, the functions of a single lens may include: protection, light reduction, noise blocking, or color correction.
[0047] By placing at least one lens element at the rear of the lens 1, the arrangement of the lens elements within the lens 1 can be made more compact, which helps to reduce the size of the lens 1 along the optical axis L. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear of the lens 1 partially overlaps with the focusing tube 2 along the optical axis L. This arrangement effectively utilizes the space already required for the lens elements to house the focusing tube 2, further saving space for the lens elements within the lens 1. This further makes the structure of the camera 100 more compact and further achieves a miniaturized design of the camera 100.
[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, there are multiple annular protrusions 11, which are spaced apart.
[0049] For example, the number of annular protrusions 11 can be two, three, or four, etc. This embodiment of the application uses two annular protrusions 11 as an example.
[0050] With the above settings, as Figure 3 As shown, a gap can be formed between two adjacent annular protrusions 11, thereby reducing the contact area between the tail of the lens 1 and the inner wall of the focusing tube 2, thus reducing the frictional resistance between the focusing tube 2 and the lens 1, and making the focusing tube 2 move more smoothly relative to the lens 1.
[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, an oil storage groove 11A is provided on the circumferential surface of the annular protrusion 11 that contacts the inner wall of the focusing cylinder 2.
[0052] For example, an oil storage tank 11A can be provided in an annular protrusion 11, and multiple oil storage tanks 11A can also be provided in an annular protrusion 11.
[0053] For example, the oil reservoir 11A can store grease, thereby lubricating the circumferential surface where the annular protrusion 11 contacts the inner wall of the focusing cylinder 2, reducing the friction between the annular protrusion 11 and the inner wall of the focusing cylinder 2, and thus making the movement between the annular protrusion 11 and the focusing cylinder 2 smoother. On the other hand, the above arrangement can also make the contact between the annular protrusion 11 and the inner wall of the focusing cylinder 2 tighter, preventing dust from entering the detector assembly 3 through the gap between the annular protrusion 11 and the inner wall of the focusing cylinder 2 and affecting the imaging quality of the detector assembly 3. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the focusing cylinder 2 has an opening 2A on its wall, which exposes the lens 1. The camera 100 also includes an anti-rotation guide post 5, which is located inside the opening 2A and fixedly connected to the lens 1. Along the extension direction of the optical axis L of the lens 1, the size of the opening 2A is larger than the size of the anti-rotation guide post 5.
[0054] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the anti-rotation guide post 5 and the lens 1 can be fixedly connected by screws 6. Screws 6 also make the installation and removal of the anti-rotation guide post 5 and the lens 1 more convenient.
[0055] For example, the shape of the opening 2A can be a rectangle, a square, or an oblong shape.
[0056] By making the size of the opening 2A larger than the size of the anti-rotation guide post 5 along the extension direction of the optical axis L of the lens 1, relative movement can be generated between the anti-rotation guide post 5 and the focusing tube 2. Furthermore, the interaction between the opening 2A and the anti-rotation guide post 5 can limit the movement range of the focusing tube 2, preventing the focusing tube 2 from sliding out of the lens 1.
[0057] In some embodiments, the size of the opening 2A along the circumference of the lens 1 is equal to the size of the anti-rotation post 5.
[0058] With the above settings, as Figure 4 As shown, in the circumferential direction of lens 1, the anti-rotation guide post 5 can be made to contact the side wall of the opening 2A, thereby preventing the anti-rotation guide post 5 and the focusing tube 2 from moving relative to each other in the circumferential direction of lens 1, which can also prevent relative rotation between the focusing tube 2 and lens 1. Since the anti-rotation guide post 5 is fixedly connected to lens 1, the direction of movement of the focusing tube 2 can be limited to the axis of lens 1.
[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, along the extension direction of the optical axis L of lens 1, the two ends of the anti-rotation guide post 5 are arc-shaped, and the two ends of the opening 2A are arc-shaped.
[0060] For example, the above-described configuration can reduce the stress at both ends of the anti-rotation guide post 5 and the stress at both ends of the opening 2A, thereby reducing the processing difficulty of the anti-rotation guide post 5 and the opening 2A. Simultaneously, the above-described configuration can also reduce the stress when the focusing cylinder 2 contacts the anti-rotation guide post 5 during movement, improving the structural stability and lifespan of the anti-rotation guide post 5 and the opening 2A of the focusing cylinder 2.
[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the camera also includes: a dust cover 7. (As shown) Figure 5 As shown, the dustproof cloth 7 is fixed to the outer wall of the focusing cylinder 2, and the dustproof cloth 7 covers the opening 2A.
[0062] For example, the dustproof cloth 7 can be fixed to the outer wall of the focusing cylinder 2 by an adhesive. For instance, the dustproof cloth 7 has an adhesive backing and is directly attached to the opening 2A by the adhesive backing.
[0063] For example, the area of the dustproof cloth 7 is larger than the area of the opening 2A.
[0064] The above settings prevent dust from entering the focusing tube 2 through the opening 2A, thereby preventing dust from affecting the smoothness of the sliding of the focusing tube 2 and the imaging quality of the detector assembly 3.
[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the camera 100 also includes a focusing connection assembly 8 and a focusing drive assembly 9. The focusing connection assembly 8 is located on the side of the detector assembly 3 away from the lens 1, and is connected to the detector assembly 3. The focusing drive assembly 9 is located on the side of the focusing connection assembly 8 away from the lens 1, and is connected to the focusing connection assembly 8. The focusing drive assembly 9 is used to drive the detector assembly 3 to move via the focusing connection assembly 8.
[0066] By setting the focus connection component 8, the position of the focus drive component 9 can be flexibly set, thereby making the setting of the functional components 4 within the camera 100 more flexible and avoiding interference between the focus drive component 9 and the functional components 4.
[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the focusing connection assembly 8 includes a ball head pressure plate 81 and a ball head connecting rod 82. The ball head pressure plate 81 is fixed to the detector assembly 3. The first end of the ball head connecting rod 82 is connected to the detector assembly 3 through the ball head pressure plate 81, and the second end of the ball head connecting rod 82 is connected to the focusing drive assembly 9.
[0068] For example, the first end of the ball-head connecting rod 82 is provided with a ball head, the size of which is larger than the size of the other parts of the ball-head connecting rod 82. Therefore, the ball-head pressure plate 81 can connect the first end of the ball-head connecting rod 82 to the detector assembly 3.
[0069] The above settings also allow for more flexible relative movement between the ball joint connecting rod 82 and the ball joint pressure plate 81.
[0070] For example, the first end of the ball joint connecting rod 82 is connected to the detector assembly 3 via a ball joint, which is a steering linkage connection. The ball joint connection makes it easier to assemble and disassemble the ball joint connecting rod 82 and the detector assembly 3, and allows for rotational movement between the ball joint connecting rod 82 and the detector assembly 3.
[0071] Ball joint connectors have low coaxiality during transmission, making them generally unsuitable for focusing connections in cameras with high coaxiality requirements. However, in the embodiments of this application, by fitting the focusing tube 2 onto the tail of the lens 1, the focusing tube 2 and the lens 1 can maintain good coaxiality, thereby reducing the coaxiality requirement during transmission between the detector assembly 3 and the focusing drive assembly 9. For example, the detector assembly 3 and the focusing drive assembly 9 can be transmitted through the ball joint connector 82.
[0072] The above settings can overcome the dimensional errors in the processing and assembly of the focusing connection assembly 8 and the detector assembly 3, and prevent the focusing tube 2 from moving poorly due to increased friction between the focusing tube 2 and the annular protrusion 11 of the lens 1 during the process of moving the focusing connection assembly 8 to drive the detector assembly 3 and the focusing tube 2.
[0073] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the size of the functional component 4 inside the camera 100 is large, the length of the ball joint connecting rod 82 can be increased; when the size of the functional component 4 inside the camera 100 is small, the length of the ball joint connecting rod 82 can be decreased. Therefore, the length of the ball joint connecting rod 82 can be flexibly set according to the size of the functional component 4, which allows the components of the camera 100 to be arranged more compactly, helping to reduce the overall size of the camera 100 and achieve a miniaturized design of the camera 100.
[0074] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown in this embodiment, the focusing tube 2 is sleeved on the tail of the lens 1, thus reducing the space occupied by the focusing tube 2 in the camera 100, so that more space can be used to set up the functional components 4 (such as the camera's battery compartment) at the position corresponding to the ball joint connecting rod 82.
[0075] The structure of the aforementioned focusing connection component 8 may include various types.
[0076] In other embodiments, the focusing connection assembly 8 includes a universal joint and a connecting rod. A first end of the universal joint is fixed to the detector assembly 3. A first end of the connecting rod is connected to a second end of the universal joint, and the second end of the connecting rod is connected to the focusing drive assembly 9.
[0077] A universal joint, also known as a universal connector, is a mechanical component that enables power transmission at varying angles and is used in locations where the direction of the drive shaft needs to be changed.
[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that by setting up interconnected universal joints and connecting rods, the same function as ball joint connecting rod 82 and ball joint pressure plate 81 can be achieved, which will not be elaborated here.
[0079] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A camera, characterized in that, The camera includes: A lens has an optical axis; A focusing tube, fitted onto the rear end of the lens, is slidably connected to the lens; and, The detector assembly is fixed on the focusing tube; During the sliding of the focusing tube relative to the lens, the detector assembly is moved relative to the lens along the optical axis of the lens. The lens has an annular protrusion at its rear end, which engages with the inner wall of the focusing tube. The annular protrusion and the focusing tube form a surface contact, which limits the movement of the focusing tube along the optical axis and restricts the focusing tube from wobbling in the radial direction of the lens. An oil storage groove is provided on the circumferential surface of the annular protrusion that contacts the inner wall of the focusing cylinder; the oil storage groove is used to store grease, and the grease is used to reduce the frictional resistance between the annular protrusion and the inner wall of the focusing cylinder, and to prevent dust from entering the detector assembly through the gap between the annular protrusion and the inner wall of the focusing cylinder. The number of annular protrusions is multiple, and the multiple annular protrusions are spaced apart; the wall of the focusing cylinder is provided with an opening, and the camera further includes: an anti-rotation guide post, which is located in the opening; and the anti-rotation guide post is disposed between two adjacent annular protrusions; A focusing connection assembly is disposed on the side of the detector assembly away from the lens and connected to the detector assembly; the focusing connection assembly is not coaxial with the optical axis; and, A focusing drive assembly is disposed on the side of the focusing connection assembly away from the lens and is connected to the focusing connection assembly, and is used to drive the detector assembly to move through the focusing connection assembly; The focusing connection component includes: The ball-head pressure plate is fixed to the detector assembly; and, A ball-head connecting rod, the first end of which is connected to the detector assembly via the ball-head pressure plate, and the second end of which is connected to the focusing drive assembly.
2. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of annular protrusions is multiple, and the multiple annular protrusions are arranged at intervals.
3. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens includes a plurality of lenses arranged sequentially along the optical axis, and at least one of the lenses is located at the rear of the lens.
4. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The focusing connection component includes: A gimbal, the first end of which is fixed to the detector assembly; and A connecting rod, the first end of which is connected to the second end of the universal joint, and the second end of which is connected to the focusing drive assembly.
5. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The focusing tube has an opening in its wall, which exposes the lens; The camera also includes an anti-rotation guide post, which is located inside the opening and is fixedly connected to the lens; Along the extension direction of the optical axis of the lens, the size of the opening is larger than the size of the anti-rotation guide post; along the circumference of the lens, the size of the opening is equal to the size of the anti-rotation guide post.
6. The camera according to claim 5, characterized in that, Along the extension direction of the optical axis of the lens, the opposite ends of the anti-rotation guide post are arc-shaped, and the opposite ends of the opening are arc-shaped.
7. The camera according to claim 5, characterized in that, The camera also includes a dustproof cloth, which is fixed to the outer wall of the focusing tube and covers the opening.
8. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens includes an infrared lens.