Flashlight body, flashlight base, and flashlight kit

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of photographic equipment, and discloses a flash lamp main body, a flash lamp base and a flash lamp kit. The flash lamp main body comprises a body part and a lamp head part, the lamp head part is connected to the second end of the body part, the first end of the body part is provided with a connecting structure for detachable connection with the flash lamp base; the first end is provided with a communication module comprising a plurality of communication terminals for one-to-one contact with signal sending terminals on the flash lamp base; the body part is internally provided with a main control circuit and a storage module, the storage module stores a plurality of communication protocols, the main control circuit identifies the brand of a currently connected camera according to the current conduction state of the communication module, and corresponding communication protocols are called to perform data interaction. The flash lamp main body can be used in cooperation with the flash lamp base corresponding to the hot shoe interface of different brands of cameras, a user only needs to replace the flash lamp base to adapt to different brands of cameras, and the purchase cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of photographic equipment technology, and in particular to a flash unit, a flash base, and a flash kit. Background Technology

[0002] Cameras and flash units typically connect via a hot shoe for mechanical mounting and electrical signal transmission. Because different brands and even different models of cameras have variations in the number, arrangement, and communication protocols of their hot shoe contacts, flash units are not universally compatible. For example, Nikon cameras can only be used with Nikon-mount flash units, Canon cameras can only be used with Canon-mount flash units, and the same applies to Sony and Fujifilm cameras.

[0003] Currently, hot-shoe flash units on the market typically employ an integrated structure, meaning the flash head, camera body, and flash mount interface for connecting to the camera are fixedly connected as a single unit. If a user owns multiple cameras from different brands, they will need to purchase multiple flash units with corresponding brand interfaces. This undoubtedly increases the user's purchase cost, and when shooting outdoors, if compatibility with different camera brands is required, multiple flash units with similar structures but different interfaces must be carried, making it extremely inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application proposes a flash unit body, a flash base, and a flash kit, aiming to solve the problem that existing flash units adopt an integrated structure, with the flash head, camera body, and base fixedly connected, resulting in incompatible hot shoe interfaces for different camera brands. Users need to purchase the entire flash unit for each camera, which is costly and inconvenient to carry.

[0005] According to a first aspect embodiment of this application, a flash unit includes a body and a head. The body has a first end and a second end facing away from each other. The first end is provided with a connecting structure for selectively and detachably connecting to a flash base. The head is connected to the second end. The first end is provided with a communication module, which includes a plurality of spaced-apart communication terminals. Each communication terminal is used to contact a signal transmitting terminal on the flash base when the connecting structure is connected to the flash base. The body has a built-in main control circuit and a storage module. The storage module stores multiple communication protocols. The main control circuit is electrically connected to both the communication module and the storage module. The main control circuit identifies the currently connected camera brand based on the current conduction state of the communication module and retrieves the communication protocol corresponding to that camera brand from the storage module for interaction.

[0006] The flash unit according to the embodiments of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: By setting a connection structure and communication module at one end of the flash unit body, and building a main control circuit and storage module in the body, the flash unit body can be used in conjunction with flash mounts corresponding to the hot shoe interfaces of different camera brands. When flash mounts corresponding to different brands are connected to the flash unit body, the communication module will exhibit different conduction states. The main control circuit can automatically determine the currently connected camera brand by recognizing the conduction state and automatically switch to the corresponding communication protocol. This design allows users to purchase only one flash unit body and then use multiple flash mounts corresponding to different camera brands to use the same flash unit on cameras of different brands. Users do not need to purchase a separate flash unit for each brand of camera; they only need to change the flash mount to adapt to different camera brands, greatly reducing the user's purchase cost and simplifying the carrying and management of the equipment.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this application, the connection structure includes a connection groove and a first magnetic member. The connection groove is disposed at the first end and is used for inserting a portion of the flash base to be connected. The first magnetic member is disposed on the bottom wall and / or side wall of the connection groove. The flash base is provided with a second magnetic member, and the first magnetic member is used to magnetically engage with the second magnetic member.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the body also has a built-in first wireless communication module, which is electrically connected to the main control circuit. The first wireless communication module is used to receive a wireless trigger signal sent by the flash base after the flash body is separated from the flash base. The main control circuit controls the flash head to flash according to the wireless trigger signal. And / or, the main control circuit is electrically connected to a power terminal, which is exposed at the first end. The power terminal is used to make contact with the power supply terminal on the flash base when the connection structure is connected to the flash base.

[0009] A flash mount according to a second aspect embodiment of this application is used to connect to a flash body according to a first aspect embodiment. The flash mount includes an adapter, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are respectively connected to opposite ends of the adapter. The first connecting portion is detachably connected to a hot shoe of a camera, and the second connecting portion is detachably connected to the connecting structure of the flash body. The first connecting portion is provided with a signal receiving terminal, which is used to receive electrical signals from the camera when the first connecting portion is connected to the hot shoe. The second connecting portion is provided with a signal transmitting module. The signal transmitting module includes multiple spaced-apart signal transmitting terminals, each of which is used to contact the communication terminals on the flash unit when the second connecting part is connected to the connecting structure. The flash base has a built-in signal conversion module, which is electrically connected to the signal receiving terminal and the signal transmitting terminal respectively. The signal conversion module is used to selectively activate some of the signal transmitting terminals in the signal transmitting module according to the electrical signal received by the signal receiving terminal, so as to transmit the identification signal representing the currently connected camera to the flash unit through the activated signal transmitting terminals.

[0010] The flash mount according to the embodiments of this application has at least the following advantages: by setting a signal receiving terminal, a signal conversion module, and a signal transmitting module in the flash mount, the flash mount can identify the currently connected camera brand and transmit the brand information to the flash unit in the form of a conduction state combination. Users only need to install the corresponding brand flash mount onto the flash unit, and the flash unit can automatically identify and switch to the corresponding communication protocol, achieving plug-and-play functionality.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the signal conversion module includes a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The signal receiving terminal includes a contact pin, which is retractably connected to the side of the first circuit board facing the first connection portion via an elastic element, and the contact pin portion is exposed in the first connection portion. The second circuit board is disposed on the side of the first connection board facing the second connection portion and is electrically connected to the first circuit board. The signal transmitting module is electrically connected to the second circuit board and is partially exposed in the second connection portion. The first circuit board is used to generate an identification code according to the electrical signal conduction state of the signal receiving terminal. The second circuit board is used to control the conduction or disconnection of each signal transmitting terminal in the signal transmitting module according to the identification code.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the connection structure includes a first magnetic member, and the second connection portion is provided with a second magnetic member, the second magnetic member being used to magnetically engage with the first magnetic member.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, the flash base also has a built-in second wireless communication module, which is used to send a wireless trigger signal to the flash body after the flash base is separated from the flash body; the second connecting part is also provided with a trigger button, which is electrically connected to the second wireless communication module. When the trigger button is pressed, the second wireless communication module sends a wireless trigger signal to the flash body.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the flash base also has a built-in power module, the second connection part is provided with a power supply terminal, the power supply terminal is electrically connected to the power module, and the power supply terminal is used to make contact with the power connection terminal on the flash body when the second connection part is connected to the flash body.

[0015] A flash kit according to a third aspect of this application includes a flash body according to a first aspect of this application and a flash base according to a second aspect of this application. The flash body includes a body portion and a flash head. The body portion has a first end and a second end facing away from each other. The first end is provided with a connecting structure, and the flash head is connected to the second end. The flash base includes an adapter portion, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are respectively connected to opposite ends of the adapter portion. The first connecting portion is used for detachable connection with the hot shoe of a camera, and the second connecting portion is used for detachable connection with the connecting structure.

[0016] The flash kit according to the embodiments of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: This flash kit combines the flash unit and the flash mount, allowing users to flexibly choose the kit configuration according to their needs. When configured with a single mount, the user obtains a complete flash system compatible with a specific brand of camera, meeting daily shooting needs. When configured with multiple mounts, one flash unit can be used with multiple different brands of cameras, eliminating the need to purchase a separate flash unit for each brand of camera or replace the entire flash unit when changing cameras, greatly reducing the user's purchase cost and carrying burden when shooting outdoors. Simultaneously, since each flash mount has a built-in signal conversion module, it can transmit the identification information of the compatible camera brand to the flash unit. The flash unit can automatically identify and switch to the corresponding communication protocol. The entire replacement and identification process requires no tools or manual settings, enabling plug-and-play functionality.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this application, at least two flash bases are provided, and the number and / or arrangement of the signal receiving terminals in different flash bases vary.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flash unit body according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram from another perspective; Figure 3 This is a circuit connection diagram of a flash base according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flash lamp base according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Another structural diagram from a different perspective; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flash lamp base according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flash lamp base according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a flash lamp base according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flash unit according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 for Figure 9 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0020] Icon labels: 1000. Flash unit kit; 100. Flash unit body; 10. Body section; 10a. First end; 10b. Second end; 11. Connecting structure; 111. Connecting slot; 112. First magnetic attachment; 12. Communication module; 121. Communication terminal; 20. Flash head; 300. Flash base; 30. Adapter; 40. First connecting part; 41. Signal receiving terminal; 50. Second connecting part; 51. Signal transmitting terminal; 52. Second magnetic attachment; 53. Trigger button; 60. Signal conversion module; 61. First circuit board; 62. Second circuit board; 70. Elastic element; 80. Power module. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Currently, hot-shoe flash units on the market typically employ an integrated structure, meaning the flash head, camera body, and flash mount interface for connecting to the camera are fixedly connected as a single unit. If a user owns multiple cameras from different brands, they will need to purchase multiple flash units with corresponding brand interfaces. This undoubtedly increases the user's purchase cost, and when shooting outdoors, if compatibility with different camera brands is required, multiple flash units with similar structures but different interfaces must be carried, making it extremely inconvenient.

[0025] To address this issue, this application proposes a flash unit 100.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, an embodiment of the flash unit 100 of this application includes a body 10 and a flash head 20. The body 10 has a first end 10a and a second end 10b facing away from each other. The first end 10a is provided with a connecting structure 11, which is used to selectively and detachably connect to a flash base 300. The flash head 20 is connected to the second end 10b. The first end 10a is provided with a communication module 12, which includes a plurality of communication terminals 121 arranged at intervals. Each communication terminal 121 is used to contact the signal transmission terminal 51 on the flash base 300 when the connecting structure 11 is connected to the flash base 300. The body 10 has a built-in main control circuit and a storage module. The storage module stores a variety of communication protocols. The main control circuit is electrically connected to the communication module 12 and the storage module respectively. The main control circuit identifies the currently connected camera brand according to the current conduction state of the communication module 12 and retrieves the communication protocol corresponding to the camera brand from the storage module for interaction.

[0027] Specifically, the body 10 has an internal cavity for housing and mounting electronic components such as the main control circuit and storage module. The body 10 has a first end 10a and a second end 10b facing away from each other. The flash head 20 is connected to the second end 10b of the body 10 and contains optical elements such as a flash tube and a reflector. The flash head 20 emits a burst of intense light upon receiving a trigger signal to provide supplemental lighting for the subject. The flash head 20 and the body 10 can be fixedly connected, for example, by screws or clips; or, the flash head 20 can be connected to the body 10 via a damping hinge or universal joint, allowing the user to adjust the pitch and / or rotation angles of the flash head 20 according to shooting needs. Regardless of whether a fixed or rotating connection is used, the electrical connection between the flash head 20 and the body 10 remains continuous to ensure that the control signal from the main control circuit can be reliably transmitted to the flash head 20 to trigger its flash.

[0028] The first end 10a is provided with a connecting structure 11, which is used to selectively and detachably connect to one flash unit 300. The term "selective" means that a flash unit 100 can only be connected to one flash unit 300 at a time. However, as needed, users can install flash units 300 with different brand interfaces (such as Canon interface flash units 300, Nikon interface flash units 300, Sony interface flash units 300, Fuji interface flash units 300, etc.) onto the connecting structure 11 at different times to achieve the function of one camera with multiple units.

[0029] A communication module 12 is provided at the first end 10a of the camera body 10. The communication module 12 includes a plurality of communication terminals 121 arranged at intervals. The number of communication terminals 121 is the same as the number of signal transmitting terminals 51 on the flash base 300, to ensure that each communication terminal 121 can form a one-to-one contact connection with the corresponding signal transmitting terminal 51. Each communication terminal 121 is a contact element made of conductive material, such as an elastic probe, a metal spring, or a conductive contact. One end of the communication terminal 121 (the end exposed at the first end 10a) is used to contact the signal transmitting terminal 51 of the flash base 300, and the other end is electrically connected to the main control circuit through a wire or printed circuit board trace. When the communication terminal 121 and the signal transmitting terminal 51 are in contact and connected, an electrical connection path is formed between them, so that the electrical signal on the flash base 300 side can be transmitted to the main control circuit of the camera body 10.

[0030] Because the signal conversion module 60 of the flash mount 300 selectively activates some signal transmitting terminals 51, the communication terminals 121 in contact with these activated signal transmitting terminals 51 are also in a conducting state, while the communication terminals 121 in contact with the deactivated signal transmitting terminals 51 are in a deactivated state. The conducting / deactivated states of each communication terminal 121 together constitute the "current conducting state of the communication module 12," which is a combination of a specific number of communication terminals 121 being in a conducting state and a specific number of communication terminals 121 being in a deactivated state. Different combinations of conducting states reflect different identification signals sent by the flash mount 300, thus representing different camera brands.

[0031] The storage module is electrically connected to the main control circuit and is used to store various communication protocols. A communication protocol refers to the communication rules and instruction set followed when the flash and camera interact. Different camera brands (such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, etc.) use different communication protocols, which are pre-stored in the storage module in the form of program code or parameter tables. In the embodiments of this application, the storage module stores at least two or more of the following communication protocols: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm.

[0032] In summary, the technical solution of this application, by setting a connection structure 11 and a communication module 12 at one end of the flash unit 100, and by integrating a main control circuit and a storage module into the body 10, enables the flash unit 100 to be used in conjunction with flash mounts 300 corresponding to the hot shoe interfaces of different camera brands. When flash mounts 300 corresponding to different brands are connected to the flash unit 100, the communication module 12 will exhibit different conduction states. The main control circuit can automatically determine the currently connected camera brand by recognizing this conduction state and automatically switch to the corresponding communication protocol. This design allows users to purchase only one flash unit 100 and, with multiple flash mounts 300 corresponding to different camera brands, use the same flash unit 100 on cameras of different brands. Users only need to replace the flash mount 300 to adapt to different camera brands, eliminating the need to purchase a separate flash unit for each brand of camera, greatly reducing the user's purchase cost and simplifying the carrying and management of the equipment.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, the connection structure 11 includes a connection groove 111 and a first magnetic member 112. The connection groove 111 is disposed at the first end 10a and is used for the insertion of a portion of the flash base 300 to be connected. The first magnetic member 112 is disposed on the bottom wall and / or side wall of the connection groove 111. The flash base 300 is provided with a second magnetic member 52, and the first magnetic member 112 is used to magnetically engage with the second magnetic member 52.

[0034] Specifically, the connecting groove 111 is a concave cavity located at the first end 10a of the body portion 10. The connecting groove 111 is formed by a bottom wall and side walls, creating a downward-facing receiving space. The shape and size of the connecting groove 111 match the outer contour of the second connecting portion 50 of the flash base 300. When the flash base 300 is connected to the flash body 100, the second connecting portion 50 of the flash base 300 is partially inserted into the connecting groove 111. A clearance fit or interference fit is formed between the side wall of the connecting groove 111 and the peripheral side wall of the second connecting portion 50 to achieve positioning and guidance of the second connecting portion 50. The bottom wall and / or side wall of the connecting groove 111 are provided with a first magnetic member 112, which can be fixed to the bottom wall and / or side wall of the connecting groove 111 by means of insert injection molding, adhesive bonding, or snap-fit ​​fixing. When the second connecting part 50 of the flash base 300 is inserted into the connecting slot 111, the first magnetic member 112 and the second magnetic member 52 disposed on the flash base 300 attract each other, thereby realizing the mechanical connection between the flash body 100 and the flash base 300. The first magnetic member 112 and the second magnetic member 52 can be two magnetically attracted permanent magnets (such as neodymium magnets, ferrite magnets, etc.); or, one of the first magnetic member 112 and the second magnetic member 52 can be a permanent magnet, and the other can be a magnetically conductive component (such as an iron sheet, steel sheet, etc.) that can be attracted by magnetic force.

[0035] It is understandable that, in addition to magnetic connection, the detachable connection between connection structure 11 and second connection part 50 can also be achieved in other ways, such as snap-fit ​​connection, threaded connection, etc.

[0036] In some embodiments, the body 10 also has a built-in first wireless communication module. The first wireless communication module is electrically connected to the main control circuit. The first wireless communication module is used to receive the wireless trigger signal sent by the flash base 300 after the flash body 100 is separated from the flash base 300. The main control circuit controls the flash head 20 to flash according to the wireless trigger signal.

[0037] The first wireless communication module is a communication element with wireless signal receiving capability, which can be a Bluetooth communication module, Wi-Fi communication module, 2.4G wireless communication module, ZigBee communication module, or infrared communication module, etc. The first wireless communication module is used to receive the wireless trigger signal sent by the flash base 300 after the flash unit 100 is separated from the flash base 300. When the flash unit 100 is removed from the flash base 300, the wired electrical connection between the two (i.e., the contact between the communication terminal 121 and the signal transmitting terminal 51) is broken. At this time, if the user needs to place the flash unit 100 away from the camera (e.g., off-camera flash or side lighting) and leave the flash base 300 on the camera hot shoe as a wireless transmitter, the flash base 300 can send a wireless trigger signal to the flash unit 100 through its built-in second wireless communication module. After receiving the wireless trigger signal, the first wireless communication module of the flash unit 100 converts it into an electrical signal and transmits it to the main control circuit. The main control circuit controls the flash head 20 to flash according to the wireless trigger signal.

[0038] This embodiment incorporates a first wireless communication module inside the camera body and a second wireless communication module inside the flash base 300. This allows the flash unit 100 to continue receiving wireless trigger signals from the flash base 300 even after being separated from it, thus achieving off-camera flash functionality. In use, the user can place the flash unit 100 in any location far from the camera and mount the flash base 300 on the camera's hot shoe, communicating wirelessly between them. When the user presses the camera shutter, the camera triggers the flash base 300 via the hot shoe. The flash base 300 then wirelessly sends a trigger signal to the flash unit 100, which then flashes. This off-camera flash method enables flexible multi-angle and multi-directional fill light, greatly expanding the application scenarios of the flash.

[0039] The main control circuit is electrically connected to a power terminal, which is exposed at the first end 10a. The power terminal is used to make contact with the power supply terminal on the flash base 300 when the connection structure 11 is connected to the flash base 300.

[0040] Specifically, the main control circuit is electrically connected to power terminals via wires or printed circuit board traces. The power terminals are contact elements made of conductive materials, such as elastic probes, metal springs, or conductive posts. The power terminals are located at the first end 10a of the body 10 and are at least partially exposed on the surface of the first end 10a (they may slightly protrude from the surface of the first end 10a or be flush with the surface of the first end 10a) to facilitate contact with the power supply terminals on the flash base 300 when the flash base 300 is connected to the flash body 100. The power terminals and the communication terminals 121 in the communication module 12 are independent terminal groups. They can be arranged adjacent to each other in physical position, but are distinguished from each other in electrical function. The power terminals are used to transmit electrical energy, while the communication terminals 121 are used to transmit signals. Their independent arrangement avoids electromagnetic interference between the power signal and the communication signal, ensuring the stability and reliability of communication.

[0041] The power terminal is used to make contact with the power supply terminal on the flash base 300 when the connection structure 11 is connected to the flash base 300. Once contact is established, the electrical energy stored in the power module 80 built into the flash base 300 is conducted to the flash unit 100 through the contact between the power supply terminal and the power terminal. The electrical energy is then transmitted to the main control circuit, which distributes it to the various power modules within the body 10 and the flash head 20, providing power to the entire flash unit 100. This technical solution eliminates the need for a built-in battery in the flash unit 100, instead relying on the flash base 300 for power, thus reducing the weight of the flash unit 100 and making it more portable and easier to use handheld.

[0042] Reference Figures 4 to 8This application also proposes a flash base 300. An embodiment of the flash base 300 includes an adapter 30, a first connecting part 40, and a second connecting part 50. The first connecting part 40 and the second connecting part 50 are respectively connected to opposite ends of the adapter 30. The first connecting part 40 is detachably connected to the hot shoe of a camera, and the second connecting part 50 is detachably connected to the connection structure 11 of the flash body 100. The first connecting part 40 is provided with a signal receiving terminal 41, which is used to receive electrical signals from the camera when the first connecting part 40 is connected to the hot shoe. The second connecting part 50 is provided with a signal transmitting module, which includes a plurality of spaced-apart signal transmitting terminals 51. Each signal transmitting terminal 51 is used to contact a communication terminal 121 on the flash body 100 when the second connecting part 50 is connected to the connection structure 11. The flash base 300 has a built-in signal conversion module 60, which is electrically connected to the signal receiving terminal 41 and the signal transmitting terminal 51 respectively. The signal conversion module 60 is used to selectively conduct some of the signal transmitting terminals 51 in the signal transmitting module according to the electrical signal received by the signal receiving terminal 41, so as to transmit the identification signal representing the currently connected camera to the flash body 100 through the conducted signal transmitting terminals 51.

[0043] The number, position, and arrangement of hot shoe contacts vary among different camera brands. Therefore, the number, position, and arrangement of signal receiving terminals 41 on the first connecting part 40 of the flash mount 300 corresponding to different brands also differ. Thus, the specific number and arrangement of signal receiving terminals 41 in each flash mount 300 depends on the number of hot shoe contacts of the camera brand being adapted.

[0044] The signal receiving terminal 41 is used to make one-to-one contact with the electrode contacts inside the hot shoe when the first connecting part 40 is connected to the hot shoe connection part of the camera, thereby receiving electrical signals from the camera. These electrical signals may include trigger signals (such as flash sync signals emitted when the camera shutter is pressed), data signals (such as TTL metering data, focal length signals, aperture values, etc.), and / or power supply signals. The signal receiving terminal 41 is a contact made of conductive material, such as a spring probe, metal spring, or conductive contact, to ensure reliable contact with the hot shoe contacts.

[0045] The second connecting part 50 is provided with a signal transmitting module, which includes a plurality of spaced-apart signal transmitting terminals 51. The number of signal transmitting terminals 51 is the same as the number of communication terminals 121 on the flash unit 100, to ensure that each signal transmitting terminal 51 can form a one-to-one contact and conduction relationship with the corresponding communication terminal 121. For example, if the flash unit 100 has six communication terminals 121, then the signal transmitting module has six corresponding signal transmitting terminals 51. The signal transmitting terminals 51 are spaced-apart on the surface of the second connecting part 50, for example, in a line, two rows, or a ring. When the second connecting part 50 is connected to the connecting structure 11 of the flash unit 100, the signal transmitting terminals 51 are used to contact the communication terminals 121 on the flash unit 100 one by one, thereby establishing an electrical connection path between the flash base 300 and the flash unit 100.

[0046] The flash mount 300 incorporates a signal conversion module 60, which is electrically connected to both the signal receiving terminal 41 and the signal transmitting terminal 51. The signal conversion module 60 selectively activates certain signal transmitting terminals 51 in the signal transmitting module based on the electrical signal received by the signal receiving terminal 41. When the first connecting part 40 of the flash mount 300 is inserted into the hot shoe of a camera of different brands, different pins in the signal receiving terminal 41 will contact different contacts in the hot shoe, causing the signal conversion module 60 to detect different combinations of activation states. Based on these combinations of activation states, the signal conversion module 60 determines the brand of the currently connected camera and accordingly controls the activation or deactivation of each signal transmitting terminal 51 in the signal transmitting module, ensuring that a specific combination of signal transmitting terminals 51 is in an activated state. Different activation combinations represent different camera brands, thereby transmitting an identification signal representing the currently connected camera to the flash unit 100 through the activated signal transmitting terminals 51.

[0047] like Figure 5 The image shows a flash mount 300 for a first-brand camera (hereinafter referred to as the first-brand flash mount), which has four signal receiving terminals 41 on its first connecting part 40. Figure 6 The flash mount 300 (hereinafter referred to as the second brand flash mount) for the second brand camera has five signal receiving terminals 41 on its first connecting part 40; Figure 7 The flash mount 300 for a third-brand camera (hereinafter referred to as the third-brand flash mount) has four signal receiving terminals 41 on its first connecting part 40, but the position and arrangement of these four signal receiving terminals 41 are different from those of the third-brand flash mount. Figure 5 The positions and arrangements of the four signal receiving terminals 41 of the first brand camera in the series are different.

[0048] Taking the example of having six signal transmitting terminals 51, these six signal transmitting terminals 51 are respectively defined as terminal 1, terminal 2, terminal 3, terminal 4, terminal 5 and terminal 6.

[0049] When the first-brand flash unit is connected to the hot shoe of the first-brand camera, the four signal receiving terminals 41 respectively make contact with the four contacts inside the hot shoe, and the signal conversion module 60 detects that all four signal receiving terminals 41 are conducting, thereby identifying that the currently connected device is the first-brand camera. Based on this identification result, the signal conversion module 60 controls terminals one, two, three, and four to be conducting, while simultaneously controlling terminals five and six to be disconnected, thereby transmitting the identification signal representing the first-brand camera to the flash unit 100 through terminals one through four.

[0050] When the second-brand flash mount is connected to the hot shoe of the second-brand camera, the five signal receiving terminals 41 respectively make contact with the five contacts inside the hot shoe, and the signal conversion module 60 detects that all five signal receiving terminals 41 are conducting, thus identifying that the currently connected device is the second-brand camera. Based on this identification result, the signal conversion module 60 controls terminals one, two, three, four, and five to be conducting, while simultaneously controlling terminal six to be disconnected, thereby transmitting the identification signal representing the second-brand camera to the flash unit 100 through terminals one through five.

[0051] When the third-brand flash mount is connected to the hot shoe of the third-brand camera, the four signal receiving terminals 41 respectively make contact with the four contacts inside the hot shoe. The signal conversion module 60 detects that all four signal receiving terminals 41 are conducting. However, since the combination of their conducting positions is different from that of the first-brand flash mount, the signal conversion module 60 identifies the currently connected camera as the third-brand camera. Based on this identification result, the signal conversion module 60 controls terminals 1, 2, 5, and 6 to conduct, while controlling terminals 3 and 4 to disconnect. Thus, the identification signal representing the third-brand camera is transmitted to the flash body 100 through terminals 1, 2, 5, and 6.

[0052] As can be seen from the above embodiments, even if different brands of flash mounts 300 have the same number of signal receiving terminals 41 (e.g., four for the first brand flash mount and four for the third brand flash mount), as long as their positions and arrangements differ, the signal conversion module 60 can accurately distinguish and identify different camera brands and control the signal transmitting module to activate the corresponding terminal combinations. This design ensures that the flash unit 100 can accurately identify the currently connected camera brand and automatically switch to the corresponding communication protocol.

[0053] In summary, this technical solution, by incorporating a signal receiving terminal 41, a signal conversion module 60, and a signal transmitting module within the flash unit 300, enables the flash unit 300 to identify the currently connected camera brand and transmit this brand information to the flash unit 100 in a conduction state combination. Users simply need to install the corresponding brand of flash unit 300 onto the flash unit 100, and the flash unit 100 will automatically recognize and switch to the corresponding communication protocol, achieving plug-and-play functionality.

[0054] Reference Figure 8 In one embodiment, the signal conversion module 60 includes a first circuit board 61 and a second circuit board 62. The signal receiving terminal 41 includes a contact pin and an elastic element 70. The contact pin is retractably connected to the side of the first circuit board 61 facing the first connecting portion 40 through the elastic element 70, and the contact pin portion is exposed in the first connecting portion 40. The second circuit board 62 is disposed on the side of the first connecting plate facing the second connecting portion 50 and is electrically connected to the first circuit board 61. The signal transmitting module is electrically connected to the second circuit board 62 and is partially exposed in the second connecting portion 50. The first circuit board 61 is used to generate an identification code according to the electrical signal conduction state of the signal receiving terminal 41. The second circuit board 62 is used to control the conduction or disconnection of each signal transmitting terminal 51 in the signal transmitting module according to the identification code.

[0055] Specifically, the signal conversion module 60 includes a first circuit board 61 and a second circuit board 62. The first circuit board 61 is disposed inside the adapter 30 near the first connecting portion 40, and the second circuit board 62 is disposed inside the adapter 30 near the second connecting portion 50. The first circuit board 61 and the second circuit board 62 are electrically connected by wires, ribbon cables, or flexible circuit boards to transmit data signals and / or control signals between them.

[0056] The signal receiving terminal 41 includes pins and elastic elements 70. The pins are cylindrical or needle-shaped contacts made of conductive material, and their number corresponds to the number of contacts on the adapted camera hot shoe. Each pin is retractably connected to the side of the first circuit board 61 facing the first connection portion 40 via the elastic element 70. Specifically, the elastic element 70 can be a spring, sheet, or elastic rubber, etc. One end of the elastic element 70 is fixedly connected to a pad or connection point on the first circuit board 61 (e.g., by soldering), and the other end is fixedly connected to the rear end of the pin. Supported by the elastic element 70, the front end of the pin (i.e., the end away from the first circuit board 61) is exposed on the surface of the first connection portion 40 for contacting the electrode contacts inside the camera hot shoe. When the first connection portion 40 is inserted into the camera hot shoe, the electrode contacts inside the hot shoe press against the front end of the pin, causing the pin to retract backward against the elastic force of the elastic element 70, while the rear end of the pin remains electrically connected to the corresponding pad or conductive trace on the first circuit board 61. When the first connecting part 40 is pulled out of the camera hot shoe, the elastic element 70 resets, pushing the stylus forward to the initial position.

[0057] The first circuit board 61 is equipped with a detection circuit for detecting the conduction state of each contact pin, that is, detecting whether each contact pin is in contact with the contact point of the camera hot shoe and forms an electrical connection. When a contact pin is in contact with the corresponding contact point of the camera hot shoe and conducts, the detection signal line corresponding to that contact pin presents a first level state (e.g., high level); when a contact pin is not in contact with the contact point of the camera hot shoe and conducts, the detection signal line corresponding to that contact pin presents a second level state (e.g., low level). The first circuit board 61 reads the level state of each detection signal line and converts it into a digital identification code according to a predetermined encoding rule. Different combinations of conduction states correspond to different identification codes, and different identification codes represent different camera brands.

[0058] The second circuit board 62 receives the identification code from the first circuit board 61 and controls the signal transmission module to turn on or off according to the identification code. The signal transmission module is electrically connected to the second circuit board 62 and exposed in the second connection part 50. When the second connection part 50 is connected to the connection structure 11 of the flash lamp body 100, each signal transmission terminal 51 contacts the communication terminal 121 on the flash lamp body 100 in a one-to-one correspondence, thereby transmitting the combination of conduction states controlled by the second circuit board 62 to the flash lamp body 100.

[0059] This embodiment, through the cooperation of the first circuit board 61 and the second circuit board 62, realizes a complete functional link from camera brand recognition to brand signal output. The first circuit board 61 is responsible for receiving signals from the camera and generating identification codes, while the second circuit board 62 is responsible for controlling the conduction combination of the signal transmitting terminal 51 according to the identification codes. The two have clear division of labor and close cooperation, which can accurately transmit camera brand information to the flash unit 100 in the form of hardware conduction combination, providing a solid technical foundation for the subsequent automatic protocol switching of the flash unit 100.

[0060] The connecting structure 11 includes a first magnetic member 112, and the second connecting part 50 is provided with a second magnetic member 52, which is used to magnetically engage with the first magnetic member 112.

[0061] Specifically, the connecting structure 11 on the flash unit body 100 includes a connecting groove 111 and a first magnetic member 112. The connecting groove 111 is located at the first end 10a and is used for inserting a portion of the flash base 300 to be connected. The first magnetic member 112 is located on the bottom wall and / or side wall of the connecting groove 111. The second connecting part 50 is provided with a second magnetic member 52, which is used to magnetically engage with the first magnetic member 112. The first magnetic member 112 and the second magnetic member 52 can be two magnetically attracted permanent magnets (such as neodymium magnets, ferrite magnets, etc.); or, one of the first magnetic member 112 and the second magnetic member 52 can be a permanent magnet, and the other can be a magnetically conductive component (such as an iron sheet, steel sheet, etc.) that can be attracted by magnetic force. When the second connecting part 50 of the flash base 300 is inserted into the connecting slot 111, the first magnetic member 112 and the second magnetic member 52 attract each other, thereby realizing the mechanical connection between the flash body 100 and the flash base 300.

[0062] In some embodiments, the flash base 300 also has a built-in second wireless communication module, which is used to send a wireless trigger signal to the flash body 100 after the flash base 300 is separated from the flash body 100. The second connecting part 50 is also provided with a trigger button 53, which is electrically connected to the second wireless communication module. When the trigger button 53 is pressed, the second wireless communication module sends a wireless trigger signal to the flash body 100.

[0063] The second wireless communication module and the signal conversion module 60 can be mounted on the same circuit board or on different circuit boards, and are electrically connected via wires or printed circuit board traces. The second wireless communication module is a communication element with wireless signal transmission capability, and can be a Bluetooth communication module, Wi-Fi communication module, 2.4G wireless communication module, ZigBee communication module, or infrared communication module, etc. The trigger button 53 is located in a user-friendly position on the second connection part 50, and can be a mechanical button or a touch button. In use, the second wireless communication module is pre-paired with the first wireless communication module in the flash unit 100, and a communication link is established between them after pairing.

[0064] This embodiment incorporates a second wireless communication module and a trigger button 53 within the flash base 300, enabling the flash base 300 to function as an independent wireless remote control after the flash unit 100 is removed from it. Users can place the flash unit 100 on a light stand, a table, or any other location away from the camera, mount the flash base 300 on the camera's hot shoe, and remotely trigger the flash unit 100 to fire by pressing the trigger button 53 on the flash base 300, thus increasing shooting flexibility.

[0065] In one embodiment, the flash base 300 also has a built-in power module 80, and the second connecting part 50 is provided with a power supply terminal. The power supply terminal is electrically connected to the power module 80. The power supply terminal is used to make contact with the power connection terminal on the flash body 100 when the second connecting part 50 is connected to the flash body 100.

[0066] Specifically, the main control circuit of the flash unit 100 is electrically connected to a power terminal. The power terminal is located at the first end 10a of the body 10 and is at least partially exposed on the surface of the first end 10a, so that it can make contact with the power supply terminal when the flash base 300 is connected to the flash unit 100. Both the power supply terminal and the power terminal are contact components made of conductive materials, such as elastic probes, metal springs, or conductive posts. When the second connection part 50 is connected to the flash unit 100, the power supply terminal and the power terminal make contact and conduct. The electrical energy stored in the power module 80 built into the flash base 300 is conducted to the flash unit 100 through the contact between the power supply terminal and the power terminal. The electrical energy is transmitted to the main control circuit via the power terminal, and then distributed by the main control circuit to the various power modules in the body 10 and the flash head 20, providing operating power to the entire flash unit 100. With this technical solution, the flash unit 100 itself does not need to have a built-in battery, but is powered by the flash base 300, which can reduce the weight of the flash unit 100, making the flash unit 100 lighter and easier to use off-camera.

[0067] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 This application also provides a flash unit 1000, which includes a flash unit body 100 and a flash base 300. The specific structures of the flash unit body 100 and the flash base 300 are as described in the above embodiments. The flash unit body 100 includes a body portion 10 and a flash head 20. The body portion 10 has a first end 10a and a second end 10b facing away from each other. The first end 10a is provided with a connecting structure 11, and the flash head 20 is connected to the second end 10b. The flash base 300 includes an adapter portion 30, a first connecting portion 40, and a second connecting portion 50. The first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 50 are respectively connected to opposite ends of the adapter portion 30. The first connecting portion 40 is used for detachable connection with the hot shoe of a camera, and the second connecting portion 50 is used for detachable connection with the connecting structure 11. Since this flash unit 1000 adopts the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least the beneficial effects of all the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] In some embodiments, at least two flash bases 300 are provided, and the number and / or arrangement of signal receiving terminals 41 in different flash bases 300 vary.

[0069] Specifically, the flash kit 1000 includes a flash unit 100 and two or more flash mounts 300, each of which is compatible with the hot shoe interface of a different brand of camera. The number and / or arrangement of the signal receiving terminals 41 in the different flash mounts 300 vary: "Difference in number" means that different flash mounts 300 have different numbers of signal receiving terminals 41; for example, a Canon flash mount 300 has five signal receiving terminals 41, while a Nikon flash mount 300 has four. "Difference in arrangement" means that even if the number is the same, the position, spacing, or layout of the signal receiving terminals 41 on the flash mount 300 may differ.

[0070] Each flash mount 300 in this kit has its own built-in signal conversion module 60, which can transmit the corresponding brand identification information to the flash unit 100 in different conduction state combinations according to the camera brand it is compatible with. The flash unit 100 automatically switches to the corresponding communication protocol by recognizing the conduction state combination. This embodiment provides a kit containing one flash unit 100 and multiple flash mounts 300 of different brands, allowing users to meet the needs of using multiple camera brands with only one purchase. Users do not need to buy multiple complete flash units separately, nor do they need to replace the entire flash unit when changing cameras; they only need to replace the flash mount 300.

[0071] In summary, this flash kit 1000 combines the flash unit 100 with the flash mount 300, allowing users to flexibly choose the kit configuration according to their needs. When configured with a single mount, users obtain a complete flash system compatible with a specific brand of camera, meeting daily shooting needs. When configured with multiple mounts, one flash unit 100 can be used with multiple different brands of cameras, eliminating the need to purchase a separate flash unit for each brand of camera or replace the entire flash unit when changing cameras, greatly reducing the user's purchase cost and carrying burden when shooting outdoors. Furthermore, since each flash mount 300 has a built-in signal conversion module 60, it can transmit the identification information of the compatible camera brand to the flash unit 100. The flash unit 100 can automatically recognize and switch to the corresponding communication protocol. The entire replacement and identification process requires no tools or manual settings, making it plug-and-play.

[0072] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0073] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flash unit body, characterized in that, The device includes a body and a lamp head. The body has a first end and a second end facing away from each other. The first end is provided with a connecting structure for selectively and detachably connecting to a flash base. The lamp head is connected to the second end. The first end is provided with a communication module, which includes a plurality of communication terminals arranged at intervals. Each of the communication terminals is used to contact the signal transmitting terminal on the flash base when the connection structure is connected to the flash base. The main control circuit and storage module are built into the body. The storage module stores a variety of communication protocols. The main control circuit is electrically connected to the communication module and the storage module respectively. The main control circuit identifies the currently connected camera brand according to the current conduction status of the communication module, and retrieves the communication protocol corresponding to that camera brand from the storage module for interaction.

2. The flash unit body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection structure includes a connection groove and a first magnetic member. The connection groove is disposed at the first end and is used for inserting the flash base portion to be connected. The first magnetic member is disposed on the bottom wall and / or side wall of the connection groove. The flash base is provided with a second magnetic member, and the first magnetic member is used to magnetically engage with the second magnetic member.

3. The flash unit body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body also has a built-in first wireless communication module, which is electrically connected to the main control circuit. The first wireless communication module is used to receive the wireless trigger signal sent by the flash base after the flash body is separated from the flash base. The main control circuit controls the flash head to flash according to the wireless trigger signal. And / or, the main control circuit is electrically connected to a power terminal, the power terminal being exposed at the first end, the power terminal being used to make contact with the power supply terminal on the flash base when the connection structure is connected to the flash base.

4. A flash stand, characterized in that, For connection with the flash unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, the flash base includes an adapter, a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part and the second connecting part being respectively connected to opposite ends of the adapter, the first connecting part being detachably connected to the hot shoe connecting part of the camera, and the second connecting part being detachably connected to the connecting structure of the flash unit. The first connecting part is provided with a signal receiving terminal, which is used to receive electrical signals from the camera when the first connecting part is connected to the hot shoe connecting part; The second connection part is provided with a signal transmission module, which includes a plurality of signal transmission terminals arranged at intervals. Each of the signal transmission terminals is used to contact the communication terminal on the flash lamp body when the second connection part is connected to the connection structure. The flash base has a built-in signal conversion module, which is electrically connected to the signal receiving terminal and the signal transmitting terminal respectively. The signal conversion module is used to selectively activate some of the signal transmitting terminals in the signal transmitting module according to the electrical signal received by the signal receiving terminal, so as to transmit the identification signal representing the currently connected camera to the flash body through the activated signal transmitting terminals.

5. The flash base according to claim 4, characterized in that, The signal conversion module includes a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The signal receiving terminal includes a contact pin, which is retractably connected to the side of the first circuit board facing the first connection portion via an elastic element, and the contact pin portion is exposed in the first connection portion. The second circuit board is disposed on the side of the first connection board facing the second connection portion and is electrically connected to the first circuit board. The signal transmitting module is electrically connected to the second circuit board and is partially exposed in the second connection portion. The first circuit board is used to generate an identification code based on the electrical signal conduction state of the signal receiving terminal. The second circuit board is used to control the conduction or disconnection of each signal transmitting terminal in the signal transmitting module based on the identification code.

6. The flash base according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connection structure includes a first magnetic element, and the second connection part is provided with a second magnetic element, which is used to magnetically engage with the first magnetic element.

7. The flash base according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flash base also has a built-in second wireless communication module, which is used to send a wireless trigger signal to the flash body after the flash base is separated from the flash body. The second connection part is also provided with a trigger button, which is electrically connected to the second wireless communication module. When the trigger button is pressed, the second wireless communication module sends a wireless trigger signal to the flash body.

8. The flash base according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flash base also has a built-in power module, and the second connection part is provided with a power supply terminal. The power supply terminal is electrically connected to the power module. The power supply terminal is used to make contact with the power connection terminal on the flash body when the second connection part is connected to the flash body.

9. A flash unit kit, characterized in that, Includes the flash unit body as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 and the flash base as described in any one of claims 4 to 8; The main body of the flash unit includes a body and a lamp head. The body has a first end and a second end facing away from each other. The first end is provided with a connecting structure, and the lamp head is connected to the second end. The flash base includes an adapter, a first connecting part, and a second connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are respectively connected to opposite ends of the adapter. The first connecting part is detachably connected to the hot shoe of the camera, and the second connecting part is detachably connected to the connecting structure.

10. The flash unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, The flash base has at least two units, and the number and / or arrangement of the signal receiving terminals in different flash bases may vary.

Images