Imaging assembly, focusing alignment device and focusing method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of thermal imaging equipment production, and particularly relates to an imaging assembly, a focusing alignment device and a focusing method, which are applied to thermal imaging equipment and comprise: a thermal imaging module provided with a limiting rib, the limiting rib being provided with a first limiting end and a second limiting end; a lens rotatably connected with the thermal imaging module, the lens being configured to adjust the focal length by rotation; and a limiting unit fixedly connected with the lens, the limiting unit being provided with a limiting portion in constraint cooperation with the limiting rib, the limiting portion being provided with a first abutting end and a second abutting end. The imaging assembly of the application is in constraint cooperation between the limiting rib on the thermal imaging module and the limiting portion on the limiting unit, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the limiting unit and further limiting the rotation angle of the lens, so that the lens is always in focus formation, and quick focusing of the lens can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal imaging device manufacturing technology, and in particular to an imaging component, a focusing and alignment device, and a focusing method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, infrared thermal imaging technology has developed rapidly, and infrared thermal imaging systems play an important role in both military and commercial fields. Currently, infrared thermal imaging modules are widely used in security monitoring, autonomous driving, the Internet of Things, smart homes, power detection, industrial temperature measurement, and medical fields. As the application areas of infrared thermal imaging modules continue to expand, their design increasingly emphasizes miniaturization.

[0003] In the production process of thermal imaging equipment, in order to facilitate assembly, thermal imaging modules and lenses are generally installed in a modular manner, that is, thermal imaging modules and lenses are detachably connected.

[0004] In related technologies, thermal imaging modules and lenses are typically connected by threads. The threads on the lens have a relatively long engagement length, usually 3mm, while the actual focusing travel of the lens is only 1mm. Therefore, there is a 2mm travel that cannot be used for focusing, preventing users from quickly performing focusing operations.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides an imaging component, a focusing and alignment device, and a focusing method, which solves the problem that in related technologies, thermal imaging modules and lenses are generally connected by threads. The engagement length of the threads on the lens is relatively long, typically with a stroke of 3mm, while the actual focusing stroke of the lens is only 1mm. Therefore, 2mm of the stroke is insufficient for focusing, resulting in the user being unable to perform focusing operations quickly.

[0007] A first aspect of this application provides an imaging component applied in a thermal imaging device, comprising:

[0008] A thermal imaging module has a limiting rib, which has a first limiting end and a second limiting end;

[0009] The lens is rotatably connected to the thermal imaging module, and the lens is configured to adjust the focal length by rotating it.

[0010] A limiting unit is fixedly connected to the lens. The limiting unit has a limiting part that is constrained and cooperates with the limiting rib. The limiting part has a first abutting end and a second abutting end.

[0011] When the first limiting end contacts the second abutting end, the limiting unit is in the first adjustment position; when the second limiting end contacts the first abutting end, the limiting unit is in the second adjustment position; the limiting unit and the lens can rotate synchronously between the first adjustment position and the second adjustment position.

[0012] The imaging component of this application uses the limiting rib on the thermal imaging module and the limiting part on the limiting unit to constrain and cooperate, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the limiting unit and further limiting the rotation angle of the lens, so that the lens is always in the process of focusing and can achieve fast focusing of the lens.

[0013] In one implementation, the thermal imaging module also has a marker position, which is spaced apart from the limiting rib, and the limiting part is vertically provided with a protrusion; when the lens is adjusted to the shortest focusing distance, the protrusion is set to correspond with the marker position.

[0014] In one implementation, the limiting unit includes a limiting ring, a focusing ring, and a locking block. The limiting ring is connected to at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and the outer peripheral surface of the limiting ring is provided with a limiting part. The focusing ring is connected to at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and the locking block is fixedly connected to the focusing ring and the limiting ring respectively.

[0015] In one implementation, a gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the limiting ring and the surface of the limiting rib facing the limiting ring.

[0016] In one implementation, at least a portion of the lens's outer peripheral surface has recessed structures spaced apart, and the inner wall of the focusing ring has protruding structures that are matched and installed with the recessed structures.

[0017] In one implementation, the outer wall of the focusing ring is provided with a plurality of connecting protrusions spaced apart, and the inner wall of the locking block is provided with a connecting groove that is matched and installed with the connecting protrusions.

[0018] In one implementation, the limiting ring has at least one mounting hole, the locking block has at least one through hole, the mounting hole and the through hole correspond one-to-one, and a locking element is sequentially inserted into the through hole and the mounting hole.

[0019] In one implementation, the limiting part has a protrusion, and the locking block has an assembly groove that matches and is installed with the protrusion.

[0020] A second aspect of this application provides a focusing and alignment device, comprising:

[0021] The test components include a test stand, a blackbody test source, and a positioning mechanism. The blackbody test source and the positioning mechanism are both mounted on the test stand. The positioning mechanism is positioned corresponding to the blackbody test source and is used to place the imaging components.

[0022] The display screen is electrically connected to the test socket.

[0023] A third aspect of this application provides a focusing method implemented by a focusing alignment device, comprising:

[0024] Screw the lens into the thermal imaging module, and then put the limiting ring on the lens;

[0025] When the display shows the thermal image of the blackbody aperture, rotate the lens until the thermal image of the blackbody aperture is clear. At this time, the lens position is the shortest focusing distance. The thermal image of the blackbody aperture is acquired by the thermal imaging module and transmitted to the display through the test stand.

[0026] Adjust the position of the limiting ring so that the protrusion on the limiting ring corresponds to the mark position of the thermal imaging module, that is, the mark position, the protrusion and the central axis of the lens are on the same vertical plane.

[0027] Install the focusing ring and locking block onto the limiting ring in sequence.

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments or the prior art 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.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the imaging component in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the limiting unit in the first adjustment position in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the thermal imaging module and the limiting ring in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the focusing and alignment device in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the focusing method in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] In the figures, the following labels are used: 100, thermal imaging module; 110, limiting rib; 111, first limiting end; 112, second limiting end; 120, mark position; 200, lens; 210, recessed structure; 300, limiting unit; 310, limiting part; 311, first abutting end; 312, second abutting end; 320, protrusion; 330, limiting ring; 331, mounting hole; 340, focusing ring; 341, protruding structure; 342, connecting protrusion; 350, locking block; 351, connecting groove; 352, perforation; 400, housing; 500, focusing wheel; 600, cover.

[0036] F1, First rotation direction; F2, Second rotation direction; 900, Test component; 910, Test socket; 920, Blackbody test source; 1000, Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be understood that 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 technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, the first direction corresponds to the X-axis (i.e., the left-right direction) of the spatial coordinate axis, the second direction corresponds to the Y-axis (i.e., the front-back direction) of the spatial coordinate axis, and the third direction corresponds to the Z-axis (i.e., the up-down direction) of the spatial coordinate axis.

[0042] In related technologies, thermal imaging modules and lenses are typically connected by threads. The threads on the lens have a relatively long engagement length, usually 3mm, while the actual focusing stroke of the lens is only 1mm. Therefore, 2mm of this stroke is insufficient for focusing, preventing users from quickly focusing. The imaging component of this application uses a limiting rib on the thermal imaging module and a limiting part on the limiting unit to constrain and limit the rotation angle of the limiting unit, further limiting the rotation angle of the lens. This ensures that the lens is always in the process of focusing, enabling rapid focusing.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,in, Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the imaging component in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the limiting unit in the first adjustment position in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the thermal imaging module and the limiting ring in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the focusing and alignment device in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the focusing method in the embodiments of this application; in a first aspect, an imaging component is provided, including a thermal imaging module 100, a lens 200 and a limiting unit 300.

[0044] The first aspect of this application provides an imaging component, primarily used in thermal imaging devices. Infrared thermal imaging technology has applications in both military and civilian sectors, originating in the military and gradually transitioning to civilian use. In civilian applications, it is generally called a thermal imager or thermal imaging device, mainly used in research and development, industrial inspection, and equipment maintenance. It also has wide applications in fire prevention, night vision, and security. Simply put, a thermal imager converts the invisible infrared energy emitted by an object into a visible thermal image. Different colors in the thermal image represent different temperatures of the object being measured.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the specific structure of the imaging component will be described in detail below.

[0046] The imaging assembly includes a housing 400, a focusing wheel 500, and a cover 600. The thermal imaging module 100 is installed in the housing 400, the lens 200 is rotatably mounted on the thermal imaging module 100, the limiting unit 300 is fixedly connected to the lens 200, the focusing wheel 500 is fixedly connected to the limiting unit 300, and the cover 600 is detachably connected to the housing 400. Thus, the housing 400 and cover 600 effectively protect the thermal imaging module 100 and the lens 200 from damage. The focusing wheel 500 is designed to facilitate user adjustment of the lens 200's focal length, and at least a portion of the focusing wheel 500 protrudes from the housing 400, thus facilitating user operation.

[0047] The imaging assembly also includes a thermal imaging module 100, which has a limiting rib 110. The limiting rib 110 is arc-shaped and has a first limiting end 111 and a second limiting end 112. A lens 200 is rotatably connected to the thermal imaging module 100 and is configured to adjust its focal length by rotation. A limiting unit 300 is fixedly connected to the lens 200 and has a limiting part 310 that constrains and cooperates with the limiting rib 110. The limiting part 310 has a first abutting end 311 and a second abutting end 312. When the first limiting end 111 contacts the second abutting end 312, the limiting unit 300 is in a first adjustment position; when the second limiting end 112 contacts the first abutting end 311, the limiting unit 300 is in a second adjustment position. The limiting unit 300 and the lens 200 can rotate synchronously between the first adjustment position and the second adjustment position.

[0048] It is worth noting that the constraint between the limiting part 310 and the limiting rib 110 enables the lens 200 to rotate 310°, with a left and right limiting error of 20° and a focusing angle of 270°. This limits the rotation angle of the lens 200, which eliminates the travel of the lens 200 in the non-focus position, thereby improving the focusing efficiency of the imaging component.

[0049] Please see Figure 2 The limiting unit 300 can reciprocate along the first rotation direction F1 and the second rotation direction F2. When the limiting unit 300 rotates along the first rotation direction F1, causing the first limiting end 111 to contact the second abutting end 312, the limiting unit 300 is in the first adjustment position. At this time, under the constraint of the limiting rib 110, the limiting unit 300 cannot continue to rotate along the first rotation direction F1. Similarly, when the limiting unit 300 rotates along the second rotation direction F2, causing the second limiting end 112 to contact the first abutting end 311, the limiting unit 300 is in the second adjustment position. At this time, under the constraint of the limiting rib 110, the limiting unit 300 cannot continue to rotate along the second rotation direction F2. Thus, by constraining the limiting unit 300, the focusing stroke of the lens 200 is constrained.

[0050] In some examples, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in order to facilitate finding the shortest focusing distance of the lens 200 during assembly, the thermal imaging module 100 also has a marking position 120, which is spaced apart from the limiting rib 110, and the limiting part 310 is vertically provided with a protrusion 320; when the lens 200 is adjusted to the shortest focusing distance, the protrusion 320 is set to correspond with the marking position 120.

[0051] Specifically, the mark 120 can be a recessed hole or a protruding post. Its function is to align the protrusion 320 with the mark 120 during assembly, thus facilitating the subsequent fixed connection between the limiting unit 300 and the lens 200. When the protrusion 320 is aligned with the mark 120, the limiting ring 330 is in its initial calibration position. This initial calibration position is located between the first adjustment position and the second adjustment position.

[0052] For example, during the initial assembly stage, the lens 200 is screwed onto the thermal imaging module 100, and then the limiting ring 330 is fitted onto the lens 200. At this time, the limiting ring 330 can rotate relative to the lens 200. When the lens 200 is screwed on separately to adjust it to the shortest focusing distance, the position of the limiting ring 330 is adjusted so that the protrusion 320 corresponds to the mark 120. Then, the focusing ring 340 and the locking block 350 are connected to the limiting ring 330, so that the limiting ring 330, the focusing ring 340 and the locking block 350 are fixedly connected, and thus can be fixedly connected to the lens 200, so that the limiting unit 300 and the lens 200 can rotate synchronously.

[0053] In some examples, such as Figures 1 to 5As shown, in order to make the lens 200 and the limiting unit 300 rotate synchronously, so that the lens 200 can rotate by turning the limiting unit 300, the limiting unit 300 includes a limiting ring 330, a focusing ring 340 and a locking block 350. The limiting ring 330 is connected to at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lens 200, and the outer peripheral surface of the limiting ring 330 is provided with a limiting part 310. The focusing ring 340 is connected to at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lens 200, and the locking block 350 is fixedly connected to the focusing ring 340 and the limiting ring 330 respectively.

[0054] See Figure 1 The limiting ring 330 is provided with a first clearance hole for the lens 200 to pass through. During the assembly stage, the limiting ring 330 is fitted onto the lens 200 and the lens 200 passes through the first clearance hole. At this time, the limiting ring 330 can rotate relative to the lens 200, which makes it easy to adjust the position of the protrusion 320 on the limiting ring 330. When the lens 200 is adjusted to the shortest focusing distance, the protrusion 320 can correspond to the mark 120.

[0055] See also Figure 1 The focus ring 340 is also fitted onto the lens 200 and is located above the limiting ring 330. The focus ring 340 has a receiving groove. When the focus ring 340 is fitted onto the lens 200, part of the lens 200 is located in the receiving groove, and the lens 200 abuts against the top wall of the receiving groove. The focus ring 340 and the lens 200 are fixedly connected, improving the connection stability between the focus ring 340 and the lens 200.

[0056] See also Figure 1 The locking block 350 is used to connect the focusing ring 340 and the limiting ring 330 together, so that the locking block 350, the focusing ring 340 and the limiting ring 330 can rotate synchronously.

[0057] In some examples, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the limiting ring 330 and the surface of the limiting rib 110 facing the limiting ring 330. This ensures that there is no contact between the limiting ring 330 and the limiting rib 110, and thus no friction between the limiting ring 330 and the limiting rib 110, which is beneficial for the rotation of the limiting unit 300.

[0058] In some examples, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lens 200 has recessed structures 210 spaced apart, and the inner wall of the focusing ring 340 has protruding structures 341 that are matched and installed with the recessed structures 210. The cooperation between the protruding structures 341 and the recessed structures 210 increases the friction between the focusing ring 340 and the lens 200, thereby improving the connection stability between the focusing ring 340 and the lens 200. The recessed structures 210 are concave arc surfaces, and the protruding structures 341 are convex arc surfaces.

[0059] In some examples, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the outer wall of the focusing ring 340 has multiple connecting protrusions 342 spaced apart, and the inner wall of the locking block 350 has connecting grooves 351 that mate with the connecting protrusions 342 for installation. In this way, the focusing ring 340 and the locking block 350 are fixed in the circumferential direction through the mutual cooperation of the multiple connecting protrusions 342 and the connecting grooves 351.

[0060] In some examples, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the limiting ring 330 has at least one mounting hole 331, and the locking block 350 has at least one through hole 352. The mounting hole 331 and the through hole 352 correspond one-to-one, and a locking member is sequentially inserted through the through hole 352 and the mounting hole 331. Through the cooperation between the mounting hole 331, the through hole 352 and the locking member, the limiting ring 330 is fixedly connected to the locking hole, and the focusing ring 340 is fixed between the limiting ring 330 and the locking block 350, thereby improving the connection stability and firmness of the limiting ring 330, the locking block 350 and the focusing ring 340.

[0061] In some examples, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in order to improve the connection strength between the limiting ring 330 and the locking block 350 and to ensure that the limiting ring 330 and the locking block 350 can rotate synchronously, the limiting part 310 is provided with a protrusion 320, and the locking block 350 is provided with an assembly groove that matches and is installed with the protrusion 320.

[0062] By inserting the protrusion 320 into the assembly groove, when the locking block 350 rotates in a controlled manner, one of the two side walls of the assembly groove can contact the corresponding side wall of the protrusion 320, thereby driving the limiting ring 330 to rotate.

[0063] A second aspect of this application provides a focusing and alignment device, comprising:

[0064] The test component 900 includes a test stand 910, a blackbody test source 920, and a positioning mechanism. The blackbody test source 920 and the positioning mechanism are both set on the test stand 910. The positioning mechanism is set correspondingly to the blackbody test source 920 and is used to place the imaging component.

[0065] Display screen 1000 is electrically connected to test socket 910.

[0066] The positioning mechanism includes multiple positioning columns, which are spaced apart on the test base 910.

[0067] A third aspect of this application provides a focusing method implemented by a focusing alignment device, comprising:

[0068] S1: Screw the lens 200 into the thermal imaging module 100, and then put the limiting ring 330 on the lens 200.

[0069] S2: When the display screen 1000 displays the blackbody aperture thermal image, rotate the lens 200 until the blackbody aperture thermal image is clear. At this time, the position of the lens 200 is the shortest focusing distance. The blackbody aperture thermal image is acquired by the thermal imaging module 100 and transmitted to the display screen 1000 through the test base 910.

[0070] S3: Adjust the position of the limiting ring 330 so that the protrusion 320 on the limiting ring 330 corresponds to the mark 120 of the thermal imaging module 100, that is, the mark 120, the protrusion 320 and the central axis of the lens 200 are located on the same vertical plane.

[0071] S4: Install the focusing ring 340 and locking block 350 onto the limiting ring 330 in sequence.

[0072] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0073] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not constitute any limitation on this application. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solution of this application, or modify it into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made based on the shape, structure, and principle of this application without departing from the content of the technical solution of this application should be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An imaging component, used in a thermal imaging device, characterized in that, include: A thermal imaging module has a limiting rib, the limiting rib having a first limiting end and a second limiting end; The lens is rotatably connected to the thermal imaging module via a thread, and the lens is configured to adjust its focal length by rotating it. A limiting unit is fixedly connected to the lens. The limiting unit has a limiting part that is constrained and cooperates with the limiting rib. The limiting part has a first abutting end and a second abutting end. When the first limiting end contacts the second abutting end, the limiting unit is in a first adjustment position; when the second limiting end contacts the first abutting end, the limiting unit is in a second adjustment position; the limiting unit and the lens can rotate synchronously between the first adjustment position and the second adjustment position; The limiting unit includes a limiting ring, a focusing ring, and a locking block. The limiting ring is connected to at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and the limiting portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the limiting ring. The focusing ring is connected to at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and the locking block is fixedly connected to the focusing ring and the limiting ring respectively. The thermal imaging module also has a marking position, which is spaced apart from the limiting rib, and the limiting part is vertically provided with a protrusion; when the lens is adjusted to the shortest focusing distance, the protrusion is set to correspond with the marking position.

2. The imaging component according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the limiting ring and the surface of the limiting rib facing the limiting ring.

3. The imaging component according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lens has recessed structures spaced apart, and the inner wall of the focusing ring has protruding structures that are matched and installed with the recessed structures.

4. The imaging component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the focusing ring is provided with a plurality of connecting protrusions spaced apart, and the inner wall of the locking block is provided with a connecting groove that is matched and installed with the connecting protrusions.

5. The imaging component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting ring has at least one mounting hole, and the locking block has at least one through hole. The mounting hole and the through hole correspond one-to-one, and a locking element is sequentially inserted through the through hole and the mounting hole.

6. The imaging component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting part is provided with a protrusion, and the locking block is provided with an assembly groove that is matched and installed with the protrusion.

7. A focusing and alignment device, characterized in that, include: The test assembly includes a test stand, a blackbody test source, and a positioning mechanism. The blackbody test source and the positioning mechanism are both disposed on the test stand. The positioning mechanism is disposed correspondingly to the blackbody test source. The positioning mechanism is used to place the imaging assembly as described in claim 1. The display screen is electrically connected to the test socket.

8. A focusing method implemented by the focusing and alignment device according to claim 7, characterized in that, include: Screw the lens into the thermal imaging module, and then put the limiting ring on the lens; When the display shows the thermal image of the blackbody aperture, rotate the lens until the thermal image of the blackbody aperture is clear. At this time, the lens position is the shortest focusing distance. The thermal image of the blackbody aperture is acquired by the thermal imaging module and transmitted to the display through the test stand. Adjust the position of the limiting ring so that the protrusion on the limiting ring corresponds to the mark position of the thermal imaging module, that is, the mark position, the protrusion and the central axis of the lens are on the same vertical plane. Install the focusing ring and locking block onto the limiting ring in sequence.

Images