Protective structure and thermal infrared imager

Abstract

The invention provides a protection structure and a thermal infrared imager, and belongs to the technical field of thermal infrared imagers, and the protection structure comprises a connecting piece, a cover plate and a clamping piece. Wherein the connecting piece is connected to the thermal infrared imager in a sliding mode, and the moving track of the connecting piece surrounds the lens. The cover plate is hinged to the connecting piece. The cover plate comprises a plurality of cover plate units which are hinged in sequence, and an elastic piece is connected between every two adjacent cover plate units. And the clamping piece is arranged on the thermal infrared imager. The cover plate units are used for being connected with the cover plate units in a clamped mode when the cover plate covers the front portion of the lens so that the cover plate can be attached to the surface of the thermal infrared imager, and a plane structure for protecting the lens is formed. When the cover plate is separated from the clamping piece, the cover plate units rotate relatively under the action of the elastic pieces and form a cambered surface structure surrounding the lens, and the cambered surface structure can shield light rays at different angles by adjusting the position of the connecting piece. According to the protection structure provided by the invention, integration of lens protection and shading functions of the thermal infrared imager is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of infrared thermal imager technology, and more specifically, relates to a protective structure and an infrared thermal imager. Background Technology

[0002] An infrared thermal imager is a device that uses infrared thermal imaging technology to detect the infrared radiation of an object and, through signal processing and photoelectric conversion, converts the object's temperature distribution into a visual image. Power equipment faults are diverse, but most are accompanied by overheating. As a highly efficient and safe non-contact temperature measurement device, infrared thermal imagers can help maintenance personnel quickly identify overheating problems in power grid inspections, prevent faults, and ensure the safe and stable operation of the power grid.

[0003] As its most crucial and delicate component, the lens of an infrared thermal imager is typically equipped with a lens cap for effective protection. Furthermore, to prevent issues such as temperature measurement inaccuracies, image glare, or recognition malfunctions caused by direct sunlight on the lens during use, current technologies often include a sunshade to block sunlight interference. This necessitates maintenance personnel carrying multiple accessories, including lens caps and sunshades, increasing their workload in field operations and failing to meet the practical needs of power field maintenance for equipment portability and lightweight design. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a protective structure and an infrared thermal imager, which aims to meet the needs of maintenance personnel for equipment portability and lightweight design.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a protective structure disposed in front of the lens of an infrared thermal imager, comprising: The connector is slidably connected to the infrared thermal imager, and its movement trajectory surrounds the lens; A cover plate is hinged to the connector; the cover plate includes a plurality of cover plate units that are hinged sequentially, and an elastic element is connected between each two adjacent cover plate units; A snap-fit ​​component is provided on the infrared thermal imager; it is used to snap-fit ​​with each of the cover plate units when the cover plate covers the front of the lens, so that the cover plate is in contact with the surface of the infrared thermal imager and forms a planar structure to protect the lens. When the cover plate disengages from the snap-fit ​​member, each cover plate unit rotates relative to the other under the action of the elastic member, forming an arc-shaped structure surrounding the lens. The position of the connector can be adjusted so that the arc-shaped structure blocks light from different angles.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the infrared thermal imager has a first groove surrounding the lens, and the connector includes: The first sliding part is slidably connected in the first sliding groove; The connecting part is fixedly connected to the first sliding part and hinged to a cover plate unit located in the middle of the cover plate.

[0007] In one possible implementation, a plurality of positioning grooves are evenly distributed along the length of the groove on the inner bottom wall of the first chute, and the connecting member further includes: A positioning part is disposed on the first sliding part, and the positioning part has an elastic degree of freedom to move toward the bottom wall of the first sliding groove, so that the positioning part is suitable for engaging in any of the positioning grooves.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the positioning unit includes: The positioning ball head is slidably disposed on the first sliding part and can extend from the first sliding part toward the bottom wall of the first groove; The positioning spring has its two ends fixedly connected to the first sliding part and the positioning ball head, respectively, to provide the positioning ball head with elastic freedom to extend from the first sliding part.

[0009] In one possible implementation, a limiting block is fixedly connected to one of the two adjacent cover plate units, and a limiting groove is formed on the other of the two adjacent cover plate units. The limiting groove is used to limit the rotation range of the limiting block. The limiting block extends into the limiting groove, and moves within the limiting groove when two adjacent cover plate units rotate relative to each other.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the snap-fit ​​connector includes: The second sliding part is slidably connected to the infrared thermal imager; The snap-fit ​​part is fixedly connected to the second sliding part; The return spring has its two ends fixedly connected to the second sliding part and the infrared thermal imager, respectively. When the cover plate is placed in front of the lens, the snap-fit ​​portion abuts against the outer surface of the cover plate to prevent the cover plate from flipping away from the infrared thermal imager.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the snap-fit ​​portion has a guide bevel; When the cover plate is flipped toward the infrared thermal imager, the cover plate abuts against the guide ramp to push the snap-fit ​​portion to avoid the cover plate.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the elastic element is a spring sheet having a bendable elastic degree of freedom, one end of which is fixedly connected to one of the two adjacent cover plate units, and the other end of which abuts against the other of the two adjacent cover plate units.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the outer surface of the cover plate is covered with a folding cover; When the cover plate is in the planar structure state, the folding cover is folded; When the cover plate is in the arc-shaped structure state, the folding cover unfolds.

[0014] The protective structure provided by this invention offers several advantages over existing technologies: It achieves a unified lens protection and light-shielding function through integrated design, effectively solving the portability problem of traditional infrared thermal imagers requiring separate lens caps and light shields. When the cover plate is placed in front of the lens, it engages with each cover plate unit via snap-fit ​​components, forcing the cover plate to form a planar structure that fits against the surface of the infrared thermal imager, thus providing physical protection for the lens and preventing damage from external forces. When the snap-fit ​​components detach from the cover plate, each cover plate unit rotates relative to the other under the elastic force of the elastic components, automatically forming an arc-shaped structure surrounding the lens. The circumferential position of the cover plate can then be adjusted via sliding connectors. The arc-shaped structure effectively blocks incident light from different angles, preventing temperature measurement deviations or image glare caused by direct sunlight. The entire process requires no disassembly or replacement of parts, significantly improving the efficiency and adaptability of power field maintenance.

[0015] Secondly, the present invention also provides an infrared thermal imager, including the aforementioned protective structure.

[0016] The infrared thermal imager provided by this invention, by adopting the above-mentioned protective structure, integrates lens protection and light-shielding functions, thus meeting the needs of maintenance personnel for equipment portability and lightweight design. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of 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.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the case where the folding cover is hidden and the back cover is in a planar structure, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the case where the folding cover and elastic element are hidden in the back cover plate of the present invention in an arc-shaped structure.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a front view of an infrared thermal imager provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of plane AA.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the BB plane.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of section C.

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A magnified structural diagram of part B.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Infrared thermal imager; 11. First slide groove; 12. Positioning groove; 13. Second slide groove; 14. Guide rod; 2. Lens; 3. Connector; 31. First sliding part; 32. Connecting part; 33. Positioning part; 331. Positioning ball head; 332. Positioning spring; 4. Cover plate; 41. Cover plate unit; 411. Limiting block; 412. Limiting groove; 42. Elastic element; 5. Snap-fit ​​part; 51. Second sliding part; 52. Snap-fit ​​part; 521. Guide slope; 53. Return spring; 6. Folding cover. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present 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 of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 8 The protective structure provided by the present invention will now be described.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2A protective structure is provided in front of the lens 2 of an infrared thermal imager 1, comprising a connector 3, a cover plate 4, and a snap-fit ​​component 5. The connector 3 is slidably connected to the infrared thermal imager 1, and its movement trajectory surrounds the lens 2. The cover plate 4 is hinged to the connector 3. The cover plate 4 comprises multiple sequentially hinged cover plate units 41, with an elastic element 42 connecting each adjacent pair of cover plate units 41. The snap-fit ​​component 5 is provided on the infrared thermal imager 1. It is used to snap-fit ​​with each cover plate unit 41 when the cover plate 4 is positioned in front of the lens 2, so that the cover plate 4 fits against the surface of the infrared thermal imager 1, forming a planar structure that protects the lens 2.

[0030] When the cover plate 4 is separated from the snap fastener 5, each cover plate unit 41 rotates relative to each other under the action of each elastic member 42, forming an arc-shaped structure surrounding the lens 2. The position of the connector 3 can be adjusted so that the arc-shaped structure blocks light from different angles.

[0031] The connector 3 is slidably connected to the infrared thermal imager 1, and its movement trajectory surrounds the lens 2, providing a basis for adjusting the position of the cover plate 4. The cover plate 4 is composed of multiple cover plate units 41 that are hinged in sequence, and elastic members 42 are connected between adjacent cover plate units 41. This structure enables the cover plate 4 to have the ability to transform between planar and curved surfaces.

[0032] When the infrared thermal imager 1 is not in use or when the lens 2 needs protection, the cover plate 4 is placed over the front of the lens 2 and is snapped into each cover plate unit 41 by the snap-fit ​​piece 5. At this time, the cover plate 4 maintains a planar structure and is attached to the surface of the infrared thermal imager 1, completely covering the lens 2 like a traditional lens cover, preventing damage to the lens 2 from collisions, and playing a protective role for the lens 2.

[0033] When the infrared thermal imager 1 is needed for power line inspection and there is direct sunlight interference, the latching piece 5 is released from the cover plate 4. Each cover plate unit 41 rotates relative to the other under the elastic force of the elastic member 42, naturally forming an arc-shaped structure surrounding the lens 2. This arc-shaped structure can simulate the function of a sunshade, blocking direct sunlight from specific directions. Simultaneously, by adjusting the position of the cover plate 4 through the sliding connector 3, the surrounding angle of the arc-shaped structure can be changed, thereby achieving the blocking of sunlight from different directions.

[0034] Cover plate 4 integrates protection and light shielding functions, eliminating the need for maintenance personnel to carry additional light shields and lens caps, significantly reducing the burden on maintenance personnel when working outdoors. It also allows for quick and easy function switching, making it particularly suitable for scenarios in power grid inspections where frequent movement and rapid response to different lighting environments are required. It ensures the safety of lens 2 while also guaranteeing the temperature measurement and imaging accuracy of infrared thermal imager 1, providing reliable equipment support for power grid maintenance.

[0035] In some possible embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6The infrared thermal imager 1 has a first groove 11 surrounding the lens 2. The connector 3 includes a first sliding part 31 and a connecting part 32. The first sliding part 31 is slidably connected in the first groove 11. The connecting part 32 is fixedly connected to the first sliding part 31 and is hinged to a cover plate unit 41 located in the middle of the cover plate 4.

[0036] For example, the first groove 11 can be a dovetail groove, a T-shaped groove or other irregular groove, so that the first sliding part 31 will not disengage from the first groove 11 when sliding in the first groove 11, thus ensuring the stability of the connection between the first groove 11 and the first sliding part 31.

[0037] It should be noted that, in order to prevent the cover plate 4 from over-rotating, a limiting protrusion (not shown in the figure) can be fixedly provided on the connecting part 32, so that when the cover plate unit 41 connected to the connecting part 32 rotates to be perpendicular to the surface of the infrared thermal imager 1, the cover plate unit 41 abuts against the limiting protrusion, thereby restricting the cover plate unit 41 from continuing to rotate, so that the cover plate 4 is in a state of extending along the axis of the lens 2.

[0038] The first groove 11 on the infrared thermal imager 1, which surrounds the lens 2, cooperates with the first sliding part 31 of the connector 3 to provide a stable and precise sliding guide and connection support for the cover plate 4, ensuring that the cover plate 4 always moves around the lens 2 during the position adjustment process, and avoiding displacement that affects the light-blocking effect.

[0039] The first groove 11 is formed around the lens 2, allowing the first sliding part 31 to slide along a predetermined trajectory, thereby driving the cover plate 4, which is hinged to the connecting part 32, to adjust its circumferential position. The connecting part 32 is hinged to the cover plate unit 41 at the middle position of the cover plate 4, ensuring that the cover plate 4 is subjected to balanced forces during the shape transformation process.

[0040] In some possible embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 The inner bottom wall of the first slide groove 11 has a plurality of positioning grooves 12 evenly distributed along the length of the groove. The connecting member 3 also includes a positioning part 33. The positioning part 33 is disposed on the first sliding part 31, and the positioning part 33 has an elastic degree of freedom to move toward the inner bottom wall of the first slide groove 11, so that the positioning part 33 is suitable for engaging in any positioning groove 12.

[0041] The positioning stability and ease of operation of the connector 3 are improved by the cooperation between the positioning part 33 and the positioning groove 12. The multiple positioning grooves 12 evenly distributed on the bottom wall of the first sliding groove 11 and the positioning part 33 set on the first sliding part 31 form an elastic locking mechanism. When the first sliding part 31 slides to a specific position, the positioning part 33 locks into the positioning groove 12 under elastic freedom, realizing the temporary fixation of the connector 3, avoiding the position displacement of the cover plate 4 caused by the slippage of the connector 3, and ensuring that the light-shielding arc surface structure always maintains the preset angle.

[0042] Positioning grooves 12 are evenly distributed along the length of the first slide groove 11. Each positioning groove 12 corresponds to a specific light-blocking angle. For example, a positioning groove 12 is set at 30° intervals, corresponding to blocking light from 30°, 60°, and 90° in front of the lens 2, respectively. The positioning part 33 has an elastic degree of freedom to move toward the inner bottom wall of the first slide groove 11. During the sliding process of the connector 3, the positioning part 33 is always in contact with the inner bottom wall of the first slide groove 11. When it slides to a certain positioning groove 12 position, the positioning part 33 is engaged in the positioning groove 12 under the action of elastic force, realizing the relative fixation of the connector 3 and the first slide groove 11, thereby locking the cover plate 4 at the corresponding light-blocking angle at that position.

[0043] This positioning function can effectively prevent the shading position from shifting. For example, during outdoor inspections, after the positioning part 33 is inserted into the positioning groove 12, it can provide sufficient fixing force to resist external interference such as wind force, ensuring that the cover plate 4 always stays in the target position, continuously blocking sunlight in a specific direction, and ensuring that the temperature measurement accuracy of the infrared thermal imager 1 is not affected.

[0044] In some possible embodiments, please refer to Figure 6 The positioning part 33 includes a positioning ball head 331 and a positioning spring 332. The positioning ball head 331 is slidably disposed on the first sliding part 31 and can extend from the first sliding part 31 toward the inner bottom wall of the first groove 11. The two ends of the positioning spring 332 are fixedly connected to the first sliding part 31 and the positioning ball head 331 respectively, providing elastic freedom for the positioning ball head 331 to extend from the first sliding part 31.

[0045] The stable and low-wear locking function is achieved through the cooperation of the positioning ball head 331 and the positioning spring 332. The positioning ball head 331 can slide within the first sliding part 31 and obtains elastic force towards the inner bottom wall of the first sliding groove 11 through the positioning spring 332, allowing it to smoothly engage or disengage from the positioning groove 12. The positioning ball head 331 reduces frictional resistance during sliding, extends service life, and ensures positioning reliability while also taking into account ease of operation.

[0046] When the connector 3 slides, the friction between the positioning ball head 331 and the inner bottom wall of the first sliding groove 11 is small, allowing it to move smoothly with the first sliding part 31. When it slides to the position of the positioning groove 12, the recessed structure of the positioning groove 12 provides a space for the positioning ball head 331 to be accommodated. The positioning spring 332 pushes the positioning ball head 331 into the positioning groove 12. At this time, the contact surface between the positioning ball head 331 and the positioning groove 12 can provide sufficient resistance to prevent the connector 3 from sliding accidentally and to ensure the stability of the light-shielding position of the cover plate 4.

[0047] When the position needs to be adjusted, a thrust is applied to the connector 3 along the direction of the first slide groove 11. The arc-shaped surface of the positioning ball head 331 will form a beveled contact with the edge of the positioning groove 12. The thrust can be decomposed into a component force that compresses the positioning spring 332 and pushes the positioning ball head 331 out of the positioning groove 12. No additional unlocking structure is required. The position can be switched simply by pushing the connector 3. The operation is convenient and efficient.

[0048] In some possible embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 A limiting block 411 is fixedly connected to one of two adjacent cover plate units 41, and a limiting groove 412 is formed on the other of the two adjacent cover plate units 41. The limiting groove 412 is used to limit the rotation range of the limiting block 411. The limiting block 411 extends into the limiting groove 412, and moves in the limiting groove 412 when the two adjacent cover plate units 41 rotate relative to each other.

[0049] The cooperation between the limiting block 411 and the limiting groove 412 ensures that the rotation angle of all cover plate units 41 is consistent, guaranteeing a uniform curvature of the unfolded arc structure and effectively blocking sunlight from the target direction. When the cover plate 4 transitions from a planar structure to an arc structure, adjacent cover plate units 41 rotate relative to each other around the hinge point, and the limiting block 411 moves synchronously within the limiting groove 412. The shape of the limiting groove 412 pre-determines the maximum movement distance of the limiting block 411, thereby limiting the maximum rotation angle of adjacent cover plate units 41 and ensuring a uniform and stable curvature of the arc structure.

[0050] In some possible embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 The latching component 5 includes a second sliding part 51, a latching part 52, and a return spring 53. The second sliding part 51 is slidably connected to the infrared thermal imager 1. The latching part 52 is fixedly connected to the second sliding part 51. Both ends of the return spring 53 are fixedly connected to the second sliding part 51 and the infrared thermal imager 1, respectively. When the cover plate 4 is positioned in front of the lens 2, the latching part 52 abuts against the outer surface of the cover plate 4 to prevent the cover plate 4 from rotating away from the infrared thermal imager 1.

[0051] It should be noted that the infrared thermal imager 1 has a second sliding groove 13 suitable for the sliding of the second sliding part 51. A guide rod 14 is fixedly installed in the second sliding groove 13. The second sliding part 51 is slidably sleeved on the guide rod 14, and the reset spring 53 is sleeved on the guide rod 14.

[0052] The quick locking and releasing of the cover plate 4 is achieved through the cooperation of the second sliding part 51, the locking part 52, and the return spring 53. When the cover plate 4 is closed, the locking part 52 abuts against the outer surface of the cover plate 4, and the pressure provided by the return spring 53 ensures the stability of the locking. When it is necessary to open the cover plate 4, external force pushes the locking part 52 to slide and avoid it, and the cover plate 4 can be flipped over.

[0053] When it is necessary to switch the cover plate 4 to a flat structure, the cover plate 4 is flipped around the hinge point of the connector 3 so that it covers the front of the lens 2 and fits against the surface of the infrared thermal imager 1. At this time, the locking part 52 presses tightly against the outer surface of the cover plate 4, preventing the cover plate 4 from flipping away from the infrared thermal imager 1, thereby fixing the cover plate 4 into a flat structure, completely covering the lens 2 like a lens cap, and preventing damage to the lens 2 from dust, water stains or external impacts. When moving the infrared thermal imager 1, the pressing of the locking part 52 can prevent the cover plate 4 from automatically opening due to bumps, ensuring that the lens 2 is always in a protected state.

[0054] When it is necessary to switch to the curved surface structure, simply push the second sliding part 51 away from the cover plate 4, causing the locking part 52 to disengage from the outer surface of the cover plate 4, thereby releasing the restriction on the cover plate 4. The cover plate unit 41 can then automatically unfold into the curved surface structure under the action of the elastic member 42. The entire unlocking process only requires a single finger push operation, without the need for tools, making it quick and convenient.

[0055] Meanwhile, the elasticity of the return spring 53 ensures that the clamping part 52 has a stable pressure on the cover plate 4, avoiding the cover plate 4 from loosening due to insufficient pressure or the cover plate 4 from deforming due to excessive pressure, thus balancing the reliability of protection and the convenience of operation.

[0056] In some possible embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 The latching part 52 has a guide slope 521. When the cover plate 4 is flipped toward the infrared thermal imager 1, the cover plate 4 abuts against the guide slope 521 to push the latching part 52 to avoid the cover plate 4.

[0057] The guide ramp 521 is located on the side of the latching part 52 facing the flipping path of the cover plate 4. When it is necessary to switch the cover plate 4 from an arc structure to a flat structure, the cover plate 4 is bent into a flat surface and flipped around the hinge point of the connector 3 toward the surface of the infrared thermal imager 1. The edge of the cover plate 4 will first contact the guide ramp 521 of the latching part 52. Since the guide ramp 521 has an inclination angle, the thrust generated by the continuous flipping of the cover plate 4 will push the latching part 52 to move away from the cover plate 4. Under the action of this thrust, the latching part 52 drives the second sliding part 51 to compress the return spring 53, automatically avoiding the flipping path of the cover plate 4, so that the cover plate 4 can smoothly fit onto the surface of the infrared thermal imager 1.

[0058] Once the cover plate 4 is fully fitted, the contact pressure between the edge of the cover plate 4 and the guide slope 521 disappears. The elastic force of the return spring 53 pushes the second sliding part 51 and the locking part 52 back to their original positions. The locking part 52 automatically presses against the outer surface of the cover plate 4, completing the locking and fixing. The smooth transition design of the guide slope 521 avoids rigid collision between the edge of the cover plate 4 and the locking part 52, reduces wear on both, extends the service life of the structure, and ensures the reliable implementation of the automatic locking function during long-term use.

[0059] In some possible embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The elastic element 42 is a spring sheet, which has a flexible degree of freedom to bend. One end of the spring sheet is fixedly connected to one of the two adjacent cover plate units 41, and the other end of the spring sheet abuts against the other of the two adjacent cover plate units 41.

[0060] When the cover plate 4 is a planar structure, the spring sheet is slightly compressed, storing elastic potential energy. When the latch 5 releases the restriction on the cover plate 4, the spring sheet releases the elastic potential energy, generating a force that pushes the adjacent cover plate units 41 to rotate relative to each other, driving all cover plate units 41 to rotate synchronously and quickly unfold into an arc-shaped structure. No manual assistance from maintenance personnel is required for unfolding, making the operation convenient.

[0061] The bendable nature of the spring sheet allows it to deform synchronously with the rotation of the cover plate unit 41, always providing a continuous and uniform elastic force to the cover plate unit 41, avoiding slow rotation or jamming of a certain cover plate unit 41 due to uneven elastic force, and ensuring smooth unfolding of the arc surface structure and uniform curvature.

[0062] Meanwhile, the spring sheet structure is small in size and thin in thickness, and can be attached to the surface of the cover plate unit 41 without occupying extra space, ensuring that the overall protective structure is compact and does not affect the portability of the infrared thermal imager 1. The spring sheet is made of metal, which is wear-resistant and anti-aging. Even if it is repeatedly bent for a long time, it is not easy to break, resulting in a longer service life. It can adapt to the frequent function switching needs in power inspection, ensuring the long-term reliable operation of the protective structure and reducing the frequency of maintenance and replacement.

[0063] In some possible embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The outer surface of the cover plate 4 is covered with a folding cover 6. When the cover plate 4 is in a planar structure state, the folding cover 6 is folded. When the cover plate 4 is in a curved structure state, the folding cover 6 is unfolded.

[0064] The folding cover 6 is made of flexible and foldable material and covers the outer surface of all cover plate units 41. When the cover plate 4 is in the protective state of the planar structure, the folding cover 6 folds naturally with the flat arrangement of the cover plate units 41 and fits against the surface of the cover plate 4. It does not affect the fit between the cover plate 4 and the infrared thermal imager 1, nor does it increase the size of the equipment.

[0065] When the cover plate 4 is released from its latch and unfolds into an arc-shaped structure under the action of the elastic element 42, the folding cover 6 unfolds synchronously with the relative rotation of the cover plate unit 41, and the flexible material will naturally adhere to the arc-shaped structure to form a complete arc-shaped light-shielding surface.

[0066] The folding cover 6 effectively prevents light leakage by covering the gap between adjacent cover plate units 41, preventing sunlight from passing through the gap and entering the lens 2, ensuring complete light protection. Even when sunlight shines obliquely on the lens 2, the folding cover 6 can cover any small gap between adjacent cover plate units 41, preventing light from seeping in through the gap and causing image glare or temperature measurement deviation, thus ensuring the detection accuracy of the infrared thermal imager 1 in complex lighting environments.

[0067] Meanwhile, the folding cover 6 can be made of a dark matte material to further enhance the absorption and blocking of light, improve the light-shielding performance, and make the protective structure look simpler and more uniform, which meets the professional design requirements of power equipment and provides maintenance personnel with a better user experience.

[0068] In summary, the protective structure provided by this invention, compared with existing technologies, achieves a unified protection and light-shielding function for the lens 2 through integrated design. When the cover plate 4 is placed in front of the lens 2, it is engaged with each cover plate unit 41 by the snap-fit ​​component 5, forcing the cover plate 4 to form a planar structure that fits against the surface of the infrared thermal imager 1, thereby providing physical protection for the lens 2 and preventing damage from external forces. When the snap-fit ​​component 5 is disengaged from the cover plate, each cover plate unit 41 rotates relative to each other under the elastic force of the elastic component 42, automatically forming an arc-shaped structure surrounding the lens 2. At this time, the circumferential position of the cover plate 4 can be adjusted by the sliding connector 3, and the arc-shaped structure can effectively block incident light from different angles, avoiding temperature measurement deviations or image glare caused by direct sunlight. The entire working process does not require disassembly or replacement of parts, significantly improving the efficiency of power field operation and maintenance and the adaptability of equipment.

[0069] The embodiments of the present invention also provide an infrared thermal imager, which adopts the above-mentioned protective structure to achieve integrated protection of the lens 2 of the infrared thermal imager 1 and light shielding function, thereby meeting the needs of maintenance personnel for equipment portability and lightweight.

[0070] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protective structure disposed in front of the lens of an infrared thermal imager, characterized in that, include: The connector is slidably connected to the infrared thermal imager, and its movement trajectory surrounds the lens; A cover plate is hinged to the connector; the cover plate includes a plurality of cover plate units that are hinged sequentially, and an elastic element is connected between each two adjacent cover plate units; A snap-fit ​​component is provided on the infrared thermal imager; it is used to snap-fit ​​with each of the cover plate units when the cover plate covers the front of the lens, so that the cover plate is in contact with the surface of the infrared thermal imager and forms a planar structure to protect the lens. When the cover plate disengages from the snap-fit ​​member, each cover plate unit rotates relative to the other under the action of the elastic member, forming an arc-shaped structure surrounding the lens. The position of the connector can be adjusted so that the arc-shaped structure blocks light from different angles.

2. The protective structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The infrared thermal imager has a first sliding groove surrounding the lens, and the connecting member includes: The first sliding part is slidably connected in the first sliding groove; The connecting part is fixedly connected to the first sliding part and hinged to a cover plate unit located in the middle of the cover plate.

3. The protective structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner bottom wall of the first chute has multiple positioning grooves evenly distributed along the length of the chute, and the connecting member further includes: A positioning part is disposed on the first sliding part, and the positioning part has an elastic degree of freedom to move toward the bottom wall of the first sliding groove, so that the positioning part is suitable for engaging in any of the positioning grooves.

4. The protective structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning unit includes: The positioning ball head is slidably disposed on the first sliding part and can extend from the first sliding part toward the bottom wall of the first groove; The positioning spring has its two ends fixedly connected to the first sliding part and the positioning ball head, respectively, to provide the positioning ball head with elastic freedom to extend from the first sliding part.

5. The protective structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting block is fixedly connected to one of the two adjacent cover plate units, and a limiting groove is formed on the other of the two adjacent cover plate units. The limiting groove is used to limit the rotation range of the limiting block. The limiting block extends into the limiting groove, and moves within the limiting groove when two adjacent cover plate units rotate relative to each other.

6. The protective structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​component includes: The second sliding part is slidably connected to the infrared thermal imager; The snap-fit ​​part is fixedly connected to the second sliding part; The return spring has its two ends fixedly connected to the second sliding part and the infrared thermal imager, respectively. When the cover plate is placed in front of the lens, the snap-fit ​​portion abuts against the outer surface of the cover plate to prevent the cover plate from flipping away from the infrared thermal imager.

7. A protective structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​portion has a guide slope; When the cover plate is flipped toward the infrared thermal imager, the cover plate abuts against the guide ramp to push the snap-fit ​​portion to avoid the cover plate.

8. The protective structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring sheet, which has a bendable elastic degree of freedom. One end of the spring sheet is fixedly connected to one of the two adjacent cover plate units, and the other end of the spring sheet abuts against the other of the two adjacent cover plate units.

9. A protective structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the cover plate is covered with a folding cover; When the cover plate is in the planar structure state, the folding cover is folded; When the cover plate is in the arc-shaped structure state, the folding cover unfolds.

10. An infrared thermal imager, characterized in that, Includes the protective structure described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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