camera

Abstract

This application provides a camera, including a top cover assembly, a lens assembly, and a wiper assembly. The top cover assembly includes multiple first lenses and multiple viewing windows. The multiple first lenses are arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the top cover assembly. The viewing windows are located outside the first lenses. The lens assembly is located below the top cover assembly and rotatably connected to the top cover assembly, allowing it to rotate relative to the top cover assembly along its circumferential direction. The wiper assembly is disposed on the lens assembly. The wiper assembly includes a wiper mount, a wiper blade, and a wiper motor. The wiper mount includes a base plate portion and an assembly portion connected to the base plate portion. The assembly portion is fixed to the lens assembly. The wiper motor is fixed to the base plate portion. The base plate portion is parallel to the viewing windows. When the wiper follows the lens assembly and rotates to below a viewing window, the wiper motor drives the wiper blade to swing, thereby cleaning the viewing window. Cleaning multiple viewing windows with a single wiper assembly is not only simple in structure but also low in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of video surveillance technology, and more particularly to a camera. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-camera systems acquire images from different perspectives using multiple cameras, providing a rich data source for applications such as high-precision image reconstruction, 3D reconstruction, and visual navigation. Existing multi-camera systems consist of multiple lenses arranged circumferentially and corresponding viewing windows. Cleaning the viewing windows requires multiple wiper assemblies, which is not only costly but also complicates the camera structure and increases its size. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a camera with a simple structure and multiple viewports that can be cleaned.

[0004] This application provides a camera, including: a top cover assembly, a lens assembly, and a wiper assembly. The top cover assembly includes a plurality of first lenses and a plurality of viewing windows. The plurality of first lenses are arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the top cover assembly, and the viewing windows are located outside the first lenses. The lens assembly is located below the top cover assembly and is rotatably connected to the top cover assembly to rotate relative to the top cover assembly along its circumferential direction. The wiper assembly is disposed on the lens assembly. The wiper assembly includes a wiper bracket, a wiper, and a wiper motor. The wiper bracket includes a base plate portion and an assembly portion connected to the base plate portion. The assembly portion is fixed to the lens assembly, and the wiper motor is fixed to the base plate portion. The base plate portion is parallel to the viewing windows. When the wiper follows the lens assembly to rotate below one of the viewing windows, the wiper motor drives the wiper to swing to clean the viewing window.

[0005] This application also provides a camera with a horizontally rotatable wiper assembly. The camera includes a top cover assembly, a lens assembly, and a wiper assembly. The top cover assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged first lenses and a plurality of viewing windows. The lens assembly includes a body and a second lens. The body and the second lens are synchronously rotatable horizontally relative to the top cover assembly about the central axis of the top cover assembly. A cavity is provided at one end of the body that is assembled with the top cover assembly, wherein the cavity has a portion extending in a direction inclined downward along the axis. The wiper assembly includes a wiper holder. The camera includes a wiper and a wiper motor. The wiper assembly is integrally disposed within the partial cavity. The wiper mount includes a base plate and an assembly portion connected to the base plate. The assembly portion is fixed to the body. The wiper motor is fixed to the base plate. The shaft of the wiper motor extends obliquely downward within the partial cavity, thereby enabling the camera to be configured such that, in response to the selection of one of the plurality of first lenses, the lens assembly is configured to first rotate horizontally to the corresponding position of the selected first lens and then activate the wiper assembly so that the wiper can clean the viewport corresponding to the selected first lens.

[0006] The camera according to the embodiments of this application includes a top cover assembly, a lens assembly rotatably connected to the top cover assembly and rotatable relative to the top cover assembly in its circumferential direction, and a wiper assembly disposed on the lens assembly. The top cover assembly includes a plurality of first lenses disposed in its circumferential direction, and a viewing window is provided on the outer side of the first lens. The wiper assembly rotates with the lens assembly relative to the top cover assembly in its circumferential direction. Multiple viewing windows can be cleaned by a single wiper assembly, which is not only simple in structure but also low in cost. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the camera according to an embodiment of this application;

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the camera shown;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first lower cover of the top cover assembly shown;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the camera shown;

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the circled portion at point A in the cross-sectional schematic diagram shown;

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 1A schematic diagram of the camera's top cover assembly;

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged view of the circled portion at point B of the top cover assembly shown;

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the camera body shown;

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows another angle of the camera, where the windshield wiper is located below the viewport;

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The image shows another angle view of the camera, in which the windshield wipers are in the viewfinder cleaning mode;

[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing another perspective of the fuselage;

[0018] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the fuselage.

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 An enlarged view of the circled portion at point C in the cross-sectional schematic diagram shown;

[0020] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 An exploded view of the fuselage shown;

[0021] Figure 15 yes Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic of the assembled wiper assembly.

[0022] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the wiper assembly shown;

[0023] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 An enlarged view of the circled portion at point D in the cross-sectional schematic diagram shown;

[0024] Figure 18 yes Figure 15 An exploded view of the windshield wiper assembly shown;

[0025] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the windshield wiper holder shown;

[0026] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A schematic diagram showing another perspective of the wiper arm;

[0027] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 The side view of the wiper arm shown;

[0028] Figure 22 yes Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing another perspective of the fuselage;

[0029] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 An enlarged view of the circled area at point E on the fuselage shown;

[0030] Figure 24 yes Figure 22 The side view of the fuselage shown;

[0031] Figure 25 yes Figure 18 The diagram shows the wiper motor, coupling sleeve, and wiper shaft before assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0033] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] See Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the camera 100 of this embodiment includes a top cover assembly 1, a lens assembly 2 located below the top cover assembly 1 and rotatably connected to the top cover assembly 1, and a wiper assembly 3 disposed on the lens assembly 2. The lens assembly 2, carrying the wiper assembly 3, rotates horizontally relative to the top cover assembly 1 in its circumferential direction. The wiper assembly 3 does not affect the height of the camera 100, nor does it affect the appearance of the camera 100, facilitating technology transfer between products.

[0035] The top cover assembly 1 includes a plurality of first lenses 11 and a plurality of viewing windows 12. The plurality of first lenses 11 are arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the top cover assembly 1, and the viewing windows 12 are located outside the first lenses 11.

[0036] In some embodiments, the top cover assembly 1 is used to fix it to a fixing device (such as a bracket or wall) to achieve the installation and fixation of the camera 100.

[0037] In some embodiments, the top cover assembly 1 includes a first upper cover 13 and a first lower cover 14. The first upper cover 13 and the first lower cover 14 form a receiving cavity 141. The top cover assembly 1 includes a main board 15 located within the receiving cavity 141. A first lens 11 is located within the receiving cavity 141, and the viewing window 12 and the main board 15 are fixed to the first lower cover 14. The first lens 11 is electrically connected to the main board 15. A plurality of first lenses 11 are sequentially arranged along the circumferential direction of the first lower cover 14.

[0038] In some embodiments, the top cover assembly 1 includes a first pivot 16. The lens assembly 2 is provided with a first through hole 2141 and includes a first bearing 210, which is assembled within the first through hole 2141. The outer ring of the first bearing 210 is fixed to the lens assembly 2, and the first pivot 16 is fixed to the inner ring of the first bearing 210 to ensure smooth rotation of the lens assembly 2.

[0039] In other embodiments, the first pivot 16 may also be disposed on the lens assembly 2, and correspondingly, the first through hole 2141 is disposed on the top cover assembly 1.

[0040] In some embodiments, the lens assembly 2 includes a body 21 and a camera assembly 22 rotatably connected to the body 21. The body 21 is rotatably connected to the top cover assembly 1. The camera assembly 22 includes a second lens 221.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first lens 11 is a fixed-focus panoramic lens. In some embodiments, the second lens 221 is a zoom lens.

[0042] The body 21 includes a cavity 211 and a horizontal motor assembly 4 located within the cavity 211. The horizontal motor assembly 4 includes a horizontal motor 41. The horizontal motor 41 is located within the cavity 211 to drive the lens assembly 2 to rotate relative to the top cover assembly 1 in its circumferential direction.

[0043] In other embodiments, the horizontal motor assembly 4 may also be located within the receiving cavity 141.

[0044] In some embodiments, the horizontal motor assembly 4 further includes a first turntable (not shown), a first timing belt 43, a second turntable 44, a third turntable 45, a second timing belt 46, and a timing pulley 47.

[0045] The first turntable is fixed to the output shaft of the horizontal motor 41. The first synchronous belt 43 connects the first turntable to the second turntable 44. The third turntable 45 is fixed to the second turntable 44 and forms a double-layer structure. The second synchronous belt 46 connects the third turntable 45 to the synchronous pulley 47. The synchronous pulley 47 is connected to the camera body 21, so that the horizontal motor 41 drives the lens assembly 2 to rotate circumferentially. The diameters of the first turntable and the second turntable 44 are different, and the diameters of the third turntable 45 and the synchronous pulley 47 are different, in order to achieve a larger transmission ratio and achieve high torque output at high speeds to drive the heavier camera body 21; and the horizontal motor assembly occupies little space, which meets the requirement of insufficient internal space in the camera 100.

[0046] In some embodiments, the diameter of the second turntable 44 is larger than the diameter of the first turntable and the diameter of the third turntable 45, and the diameter of the synchronous pulley 47 is larger than the diameter of the second turntable 44. The relationship between the diameters of the first turntable, the second turntable 44, the third turntable 45 and the synchronous pulley 47 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0047] In some embodiments, the synchronizing pulley 47 is fixed to the first rotating shaft 16.

[0048] In some embodiments, the timing pulley 47 is fixed to the first shaft 16 by the first fastening screw 471 to facilitate assembly and disassembly.

[0049] In some embodiments, the synchronizing pulley 47 is integrally formed with the first rotating shaft 16.

[0050] In some implementations, the horizontal motor assembly 4 can transmit power through the meshing between the gear discs.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first rotating shaft 16 is located in the middle of the lens assembly 2, and the horizontal motor 41 and the second turntable 44 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the lens assembly 2, making the structure more compact and occupying less space.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first distance between the center of the third turntable 45 and the center of the timing pulley 47 is adjustable to tension the second timing belt 46 to prevent the second timing belt 46 from slipping.

[0053] In some implementations, the second distance between the center of the first turntable and the center of the second turntable 44 is fixed and cannot be adjusted to save space.

[0054] In some implementations, the second distance is adjustable to tension the second timing belt 46 to prevent the first timing belt 43 from slipping.

[0055] In some embodiments, the horizontal motor assembly 4 includes a force-applying element 48, which applies tension to the second synchronous belt 46, thereby achieving self-tensioning of the second synchronous belt 46 without the need for manual adjustment and reducing maintenance costs.

[0056] In some embodiments, the horizontal motor assembly 4 includes a fixed base 49 rotatably connected to the machine body 21, a second turntable 44 and a third turntable 45 rotatably connected to the fixed base 49, and a force-applying member 48 that is an elastic member, one end of which is fixed to the machine body 21 and the other end of which is fixed to the fixed base 49, so as to apply tension to the fixed base 49, thereby keeping the second synchronous belt 46 taut. The direction of the tension applied by the elastic member to the fixed base 49 is defined as X1, and the line connecting the center of the second turntable 44 and the center of the synchronous pulley 47 is defined as X2, with an angle formed between X1 and X2.

[0057] In some implementations, the fixed base 49 can only move linearly, and X1 and X2 are collinear.

[0058] In some embodiments, the elastic element is located at one end of the fixed seat 49 near the second turntable 44. The component of the tension force applied by the elastic element to the fixed seat 49 pulls the fixed seat 49 in a direction away from the synchronous pulley 47, so that the second turntable 44 is subjected to force in a direction away from the synchronous pulley 47, so as to self-tension the second synchronous belt 46.

[0059] In some embodiments, the elastic element is located at the end of the fixed seat 49 away from the second turntable 44. The component of the tension force applied by the elastic element to the fixed seat 49 pulls the fixed seat 49 toward the synchronous pulley 47, so that the second turntable 44 moves toward the synchronous pulley 47 to self-tension the second synchronous belt 46.

[0060] In some embodiments, the fixing seat 49 is rotatably connected to the top cover assembly 1, one end of the elastic element is fixed to the top cover assembly 1, and the other end is fixed to the fixing seat 49, so as to apply tension to the fixing seat 49 so that the second timing belt 46 remains taut.

[0061] In some embodiments, the horizontal motor 41 is fixed to the mounting base 49.

[0062] In some embodiments, the horizontal motor 41 is fixed to the mounting base 49 by a second fastening screw 490.

[0063] In some embodiments, the camera body 21 is provided with a first limiting hole (not shown), and the mounting base 49 is provided with a second limiting hole 492; the camera 100 includes a fixing member 5, which is assembled in the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole 492 to limit the mounting base 49 on the camera body 21; the second limiting hole 492 is a strip-shaped hole, and when the mounting base 49 rotates, the fixing member 5 moves along the second limiting hole 492 to limit the rotation angle of the mounting base 49.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first limiting hole is provided on the top cover assembly 1, and the fixing member 5 limits the fixing seat 49 on the top cover assembly 1.

[0065] In some embodiments, the body 21 includes a vertical motor 213 located within a cavity 211 to drive the camera assembly 22 to pitch relative to the body 21.

[0066] In some embodiments, the body 21 includes a horizontal portion 214 and a pair of vertical portions 215 connected to the horizontal portion 214, the horizontal portion 214 forming a cavity 211. The camera assembly 22 is located between the horizontal portion 214 and the pair of vertical portions 215. The vertical portions 215 include a second through-hole 2151. The body 21 includes a second bearing 216 assembled within the second through-hole 2151, the outer ring of the second bearing 216 being fixed to the vertical portion 215. The camera assembly 22 includes a second rotating shaft 222, the second rotating shaft 222 being fixed to the inner ring of the second bearing 216.

[0067] In some embodiments, the housing 21 includes a third synchronous belt 217 connecting the output shaft of the vertical motor 213 to the second rotating shaft 222. A first through hole 2141 is provided in the horizontal portion 214 and communicates with the cavity 211.

[0068] In some embodiments, the camera assembly 22 includes a turntable 223 fixed to a second rotating shaft 222, and a third synchronous belt 217 connecting the output shaft of the vertical motor 213 to the turntable 223.

[0069] In some embodiments, the vertical motor 213 is located inside the vertical section 215.

[0070] In some embodiments, the body 21 includes a pair of shielding members 23 respectively fixed to a pair of vertical portions 215 to cover the vertical portions 215 and to cover the turntable 223 and the third synchronous belt 217, so that the outer surface of the body 21 is clean.

[0071] In some embodiments, the horizontal portion 214 and a pair of vertical portions 215 are load-bearing components made of metal; the shielding member 23 is made of plastic, which is lightweight and inexpensive.

[0072] In some embodiments, the horizontal motor 41 and the vertical motor 213 are both located inside the cavity 211 and on opposite sides of the first rotating shaft 16, respectively. This raises the distance between the center of gravity of the camera 100 and the mounting point 181 of the top cover assembly 1, which is beneficial for balancing the center of gravity inside the camera assembly 22, reducing vibration disturbances, and improving dynamic stiffness, thereby achieving image stability. Testing has shown that the image stability of the camera 100 of this application is improved by more than double.

[0073] In some embodiments, the horizontal motor 41 and the vertical motor 213 have the same distance from the first rotating shaft 16, which can shorten the eccentric moment arm and reduce the moment of inertia, so as to improve dynamic stability.

[0074] In some embodiments, the orientation of the output shaft of the horizontal motor 41 is perpendicular to the orientation of the output shaft of the vertical motor 213. In some embodiments, the output shaft of the horizontal motor 41 faces upward.

[0075] The horizontal motor 41, the vertical motor 213 and the second lens 221 are electrically connected to the main board 15; the first rotating shaft 16 is provided with a wire passing hole 161 for the connecting wire connected to the main board 15 to pass through.

[0076] Refer to Figures 9 to 18 , the wiper assembly 3 includes a wiper frame 31, a wiper 32, a wiper motor 33, a wiper board 34, a shaft sleeve 35 and a nut 36. When the wiper 32 rotates with the lens assembly 2 to below a window 12, the wiper motor 33 drives the wiper 32 to swing to clean the window 12.

[0077] The wiper frame 31 and the wiper motor 33 are located in the cavity 211 of the body 21, and the wiper 32 is located outside the cavity 211. In some embodiments, during the rotation of the wiper assembly 3 following the lens assembly 2, the wiper 32 is transversely disposed on the outer surface of the lens assembly 2. In some embodiments, when the wiper 32 rotates with the lens assembly 2 to below the window 12 to be cleaned, the lens assembly 2 stops rotating, and the wiper motor 33 drives the wiper 32 to swing to clean the window 12.

[0078] In some embodiments, the wiper frame 31 is fixed to the lens assembly 2, and the wiper motor 33 is fixed to the wiper frame 31, which facilitates fixing the wiper motor 33. The wiper 32 is fixed to the rotating shaft 37 of the wiper motor 33. The wiper motor 33 drives the rotating shaft 37 to rotate, and the rotating shaft 37 drives the wiper 32 to swing to clean the window 12. The wiper motor 33 is electrically connected to the wiper board 34, and the wiper board 34 controls the start and stop of the wiper motor 33.

[0079] In some embodiments, the body 21 is provided with a first recessed groove 2142 and a through hole 2143 communicating with the first recessed groove 2142. The through hole 2143 allows the rotating shaft 37 of the wiper motor 33 to pass through. The lens assembly 2 includes a sealing ring 24 located in the first recessed groove 2142 and fixed to the body 21. The rotating shaft 37 of the wiper motor 33 passes through the sealing ring 24 and is fitted and sealed with the sealing ring 24 to prevent water leakage at the through hole 2143. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 24 is an oil seal.

[0080] The body 21 is further provided with a second recessed groove 2144 communicating with the through hole 2143. The through hole 2143 is located between the first recessed groove 2142 and the second recessed groove 2144. At least part of the shaft sleeve 35 is located in the second recessed groove 2144, and the shaft sleeve 35 abuts against the wiper 32, so as to increase the stability of the wiper 32, prevent the wiper 32 from shaking, and ensure the cleaning effect of the wiper 32.

[0081] The wiper 32 is provided with an assembly hole 321. The rotating shaft 37 of the wiper motor 33 sequentially passes through the sealing ring 24, the through hole 2143, the shaft sleeve 35 and the assembly hole 321 and then is fixed with the nut 36, which facilitates the assembly of the wiper assembly 3; meanwhile, the nut 36 can be unscrewed from the outside of the camera 100 to replace the wiper 32, which facilitates maintenance and saves cost.

[0082] Reference Figures 19 to 25 , the wiper frame 31 includes a base plate portion 311 and an assembly portion 312 connected to the base plate portion 311. The assembly portion 312 is fixed to the body 21 of the lens assembly 2. The wiper motor 33 and the wiper blade 34 are fixed to the base plate portion 311.

[0083] In some embodiments, the base plate portion 311 is parallel to the view window 12, ensuring that the wiper 32 is parallel to the view window 12, so as to ensure the cleaning effect.

[0084] In some embodiments, the wiper motor 33 and the wiper blade 34 are located on opposite sides of the base plate portion 311, which has a compact structure and is beneficial to the miniaturization of the camera 100.

[0085] In some embodiments, the wiper frame 31 includes a pair of connecting portions 313 connected to opposite ends of the base plate portion 311. The wiper frame 31 includes a pair of assembly portions 312. The pair of assembly portions 312 are respectively connected to the pair of connecting portions 313. The wiper blade 34 is located in the space enclosed by the base plate portion 311 and the pair of connecting portions 313, and the assembly portions 312 are arranged along the horizontal direction.

[0086] In some embodiments, the ear portion 331 of the wiper motor 33 is provided with a first hole 3311. The base plate portion 311 is provided with a second hole 3111. The second hole 3111 is a threaded hole. The camera 100 includes a first screw 61. The first screw 61 passes through the first hole 3311 and is screwed and fixed with the second hole 3111, which facilitates the assembly of the wiper motor 33 and the wiper frame 31.

[0087] In some embodiments, a fixing post 3112 is provided on the base plate portion 311. The wiper plate 34 is provided with a third hole 341. The camera 100 includes a second screw 62. The second screw 62 passes through the third hole 341 and is screwed and fixed to the fixing post 3112, which facilitates the assembly of the wiper plate 34 and the wiper holder 31. In some embodiments, the assembly portion 312 is provided with a fourth hole 3121. The camera 100 includes a third screw 63. The third screw 63 passes through the fourth hole 3121 and is screwed and fixed to the lens assembly 2, which facilitates the assembly of the wiper holder 31 and the lens assembly 2.

[0088] In some embodiments, three fixing posts 3112 are provided, and the three fixing posts 3112 are arranged in a triangular shape to increase the stability of the wiper plate 34.

[0089] In some embodiments, a first positioning post 3113 is provided on the base plate portion 311, the wiper plate 34 is provided with a first positioning hole 342, and the first positioning post 3113 is assembled into the first positioning hole 342 for pre-positioning, which is conducive to the alignment of the third hole 341 and the fixing post 3112, facilitates the assembly of the second screw 62, and thus improves the assembly efficiency.

[0090] In some embodiments, two first positioning posts 3113 are provided, and are respectively adjacent to two of the fixing posts 3112.

[0091] In some embodiments, two second holes 3111 are provided, and are respectively adjacent to two of the fixing posts 3112.

[0092] In some embodiments, the assembly portion 312 is provided with a second positioning hole 3122, and the body 21 is provided with a second positioning post 2145. The positioning post 2145 is positioned in the second positioning hole 3122 for pre-positioning, which facilitates locking of the third screw 63.

[0093] Referring Figures 16 to 18 to Figure 25 , in some embodiments, the rotating shaft 37 of the wiper motor 33 includes a motor shaft 371, a coupling sleeve 372 and a wiper shaft 373. The coupling sleeve 372 connects the motor shaft 371 and the wiper shaft 373, and the wiper 32 is fixed to the wiper shaft 373.

[0094] Opposite ends of the coupling sleeve 372 are respectively provided with a first profiled hole 3721 and a second profiled hole 3722. The free end 3711 of the motor shaft 371 and the first end 3731 of the wiper shaft 373 are both profiled. The wiper 32 is fixed to a second end 3732 of the wiper shaft 373 opposite to the first end 3731. The free end 3711 of the motor shaft 371 is fitted with the first profiled hole 3721, and the first end 3731 of the wiper shaft 373 is fitted with the second profiled hole 3722.

[0095] In some embodiments, the free end 3711 of the motor shaft 371 and the first special-shaped hole 3721 are flat, which facilitates the assembly of the motor shaft 371 and the coupling sleeve 372 and can improve assembly efficiency. In some embodiments, the first end 3731 of the wiper shaft 373 and the second special-shaped hole 3722 are flat, which facilitates the assembly of the wiper shaft 373 and the coupling sleeve 372 and can improve assembly efficiency. In some embodiments, the free end 3711 of the motor shaft 371 is provided with a first through hole 3712. Opposite ends of the coupling sleeve 372 are respectively provided with a second through hole 3723 and a third through hole 3724. The first end 3731 of the wiper shaft 373 is provided with a fourth through hole 3733.

[0096] The wiper assembly 3 includes a first fixing member (not shown) and a second fixing member (not shown). After the motor shaft 371 is inserted into the first special-shaped hole 3721, the first fixing member is assembled into the second through hole 3723 and the first through hole 3712, which improves the stability of the fixed connection between the motor shaft 371 and the coupling sleeve 372, ensuring the normal operation of the wiper 32. After the first end 3731 of the wiper shaft 373 is inserted into the second special-shaped hole 3722, the second fixing member is assembled into the third through hole 3724 and the fourth through hole 3733, which improves the stability of the fixed connection between the motor shaft 371 and the coupling sleeve 372, ensuring the normal operation of the wiper 32.

[0097] The wiper assembly 3 of the present application is modular, which facilitates technology transfer; meanwhile, it does not increase the height and outer diameter of the camera 100, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the camera 100.

[0098] Referring Figure 4 , Figures 9 to 12 and Figures 14 to 17 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a camera 100 having a horizontally rotatable wiper assembly 3, the camera 100 includes:

[0099] a top cover assembly 1, including a plurality of first lenses 11 and a plurality of view windows 12 arranged circumferentially;

[0100] a lens assembly 2, including a body 21 and a second lens 221, the body 21 and the second lens 221 can synchronously rotate horizontally relative to the top cover assembly 1 around the central axis of the top cover assembly 1, an end of the body 21 assembled with the top cover assembly 1 is provided with a cavity 211, wherein the cavity 211 has a partial cavity 2111 extending obliquely downward along the axis;

[0101] The wiper assembly 3 includes a wiper frame 31, a wiper 32 and a wiper motor 33. The wiper assembly 3 is integrally disposed in the partial cavity 2111. The wiper frame 31 includes a base plate portion 311 and an assembly portion 312 connected to the base plate portion 311. The assembly portion 312 is fixed to the body 21, and the wiper motor 33 is fixed to the base plate portion 311. A rotating shaft 37 of the wiper motor 33 extends obliquely downward in the partial cavity 2111, so that the camera 100 is configured such that: in response to one of the plurality of first lenses 11 being selected, the lens assembly 2 is configured to first rotate horizontally to a position corresponding to the selected first lens 11 and then start the wiper assembly 3, so that the wiper 32 can clean the viewing window corresponding to the selected first lens 11.

[0102] In some embodiments, the oblique downward extension of the partial cavity 2111 is defined such that the height of the partial cavity 2111 is not higher than that of other parts of the cavity 211 and the radial length of the partial cavity 2111 is not greater than the radius of other parts of the cavity 211, which does not increase the height and outer diameter of the camera 100 and is beneficial to miniaturization of the camera 100.

[0103] In some embodiments, the partial cavity 2111 extends obliquely downward toward the second lens 221, which does not increase the height and outer diameter of the camera 100 and is beneficial to miniaturization of the camera 100.

[0104] Refer Figure 6 , in some embodiments, a horizontal motor assembly 41 for driving the body 21 to rotate horizontally is disposed in the cavity 211, and an outer shell of the cavity 211 is a closed circle with no edges or corners on the appearance of the outer shell, which can prevent scraping.

[0105] Refer Figure 12 and Figures 22 to 23 , in some embodiments, a surface of the base plate portion 311 extends obliquely and is perpendicular to the rotating shaft 37 of the wiper motor 33, a length extension direction of the assembly portion 312 is horizontal, the surface of the base plate portion 311 accommodates the rotating shaft 37 of the wiper motor 33, and the assembly portion 312 forms a fastening assembly with the body 21, ensuring that the wiper 32 is parallel to the viewing window 12, so as to ensure the cleaning effect.

[0106] Refer Figure 3 , Figure 12 and Figure 21In some embodiments, any window 12 forms a first included angle a1 with the horizontal plane, the rotating shaft 37 of the wiper motor 33 forms a second included angle a2 with the axis, and the surface of the base plate portion 311 and the assembly portion 312 form a third included angle a3. The first included angle a1, the second included angle a2, and the third included angle a3 are the same, which ensures that the wiper 32 is parallel to the window 12, so as to ensure the cleaning effect; meanwhile, the arrangement of the wiper bracket 31 enables that after the wiper motor 33 is fixed, the parallelism between the wiper 32 and the window 12 can be achieved only by assembling the wiper 32 onto the rotating shaft 37 of the wiper motor 33. The assembly is simple and convenient, and repeated debugging is not required, which improves the assembly efficiency.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first included angle a1, the second included angle a2, and the third included angle a3 are 50 degrees.

[0108] Referring Figure 4 to Figure 11 , in some embodiments, the cavity 211 has an arc-shaped bottom surface adapted to the lens assembly 2 and a circumferential outer shell adapted to the top cover assembly 1. The horizontal motor assembly 4 and the wiper assembly 3 are not arranged oppositely along the same radial direction, so that the camera 100 has a compact structure. In some embodiments, a first radial direction where the horizontal motor assembly 4 is located is perpendicular to a second radial direction where the wiper assembly 3 is located.

[0109] It should be noted that the technical solutions or technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined with or supplemented to each other where no conflict occurs. The protection scope of the present application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A camera, characterized in that, include: The top cover assembly includes multiple first lenses and multiple viewing windows. The multiple first lenses are arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the top cover assembly, and the viewing windows are located outside the first lenses. A lens assembly is located below the top cover assembly and is rotatably connected to the top cover assembly so as to rotate relative to the top cover assembly in its circumferential direction; A wiper assembly is disposed on the lens assembly. The wiper assembly includes a wiper mount, a wiper, and a wiper motor. The wiper mount includes a base plate portion and an assembly portion connected to the base plate portion. The assembly portion is fixed to the lens assembly. The wiper motor is fixed to the base plate portion. The base plate portion is parallel to the viewing window. When the wiper follows the lens assembly to rotate to a position below the viewing window, the wiper motor drives the wiper to swing to clean the viewing window.

2. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wiper arm includes a pair of connecting portions connected to opposite ends of the base plate portion. The wiper arm includes a pair of assembly portions, each of which is connected to the pair of connecting portions. The wiper assembly includes a wiper plate fixed to the base plate portion. The wiper plate is located within the space enclosed by the base plate portion and the pair of connecting portions. The assembly portions are arranged in a horizontal direction.

3. The camera according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wiper motor has a first hole, the base plate has a second hole, the second hole is a threaded hole, and the camera includes a first screw, which passes through the first hole and is screwed into the second hole for fixation. The base plate is provided with a fixing post, the wiper plate is provided with a third hole, and the camera includes a second screw, which passes through the third hole and is screwed to the fixing post for fixation. The assembly part is provided with a fourth hole, and the camera includes a third screw, which passes through the fourth hole and is screwed to the lens assembly for fixation.

4. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, As the wiper assembly rotates with the lens assembly, the wiper is positioned laterally on the outer surface of the lens assembly. When the wiper rotates to the area below the window to be cleaned, the lens assembly stops rotating, and the wiper motor drives the wiper to swing to clean the window.

5. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The lens assembly includes a body rotatably connected to the top cover assembly and a camera assembly rotatably connected to the body. The body forms a cavity, and the wiper motor and wiper mount are located within the cavity. The assembly part is fixed to the body. The camera assembly includes a second lens. The body includes a horizontal part and a pair of vertical parts connected to the horizontal part. The horizontal part forms the cavity, and the camera assembly is located between the horizontal part and the pair of vertical parts. The body includes a horizontal motor and a vertical motor located within the cavity. The horizontal motor drives the body to rotate relative to the top cover assembly in its circumferential direction, and the vertical motor drives the camera assembly to tilt.

6. A camera having a wiper assembly capable of horizontal rotation, characterized in that, The camera includes: The top cover assembly includes multiple first lenses and multiple viewing windows arranged circumferentially; A lens assembly includes a body and a second lens, the body and the second lens being synchronously rotatable relative to the top cover assembly about the central axis of the top cover assembly, wherein a cavity is provided at one end of the body that is assembled with the top cover assembly, wherein the cavity has a portion extending in a direction inclined downward along the axis. A wiper assembly includes a wiper mount, a wiper, and a wiper motor. The wiper assembly is integrally disposed within the partial cavity. The wiper mount includes a base plate and an assembly portion connected to the base plate. The assembly portion is fixed to the body. The wiper motor is fixed to the base plate. Within the partial cavity, the shaft of the wiper motor extends obliquely downward, thereby configuring the camera such that, in response to the selection of one of the plurality of first lenses, the lens assembly is configured to first rotate horizontally to the corresponding position of the selected first lens and then activate the wiper assembly so that the wiper can clean the viewport corresponding to the selected first lens.

7. The camera according to claim 6, characterized in that, The portion of the cavity extends downward at an angle, defined such that its height is not higher than that of the other portions of the cavity and its radial length is not greater than the radius of the other portions of the cavity.

8. The camera according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cavity extends downward at an angle toward the direction of the second lens.

9. The camera according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cavity is equipped with a horizontal motor assembly for driving the fuselage to perform the horizontal rotation, and the outer shell of the cavity is a closed circle.

10. The camera according to claim 7, characterized in that, The substrate extends obliquely and is perpendicular to the shaft of the wiper motor. The length of the assembly extends horizontally. The surface of the substrate receives the shaft of the wiper motor. The assembly and the body form a fast fit.

11. The camera according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned windows forms a first angle with the horizontal plane, the rotating shaft of the wiper motor has a second angle with the axis, and the surface of the substrate portion forms a third angle with the assembly portion, wherein the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are the same.

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