A mobile camera for space exploration

Abstract

The application discloses a mobile space exploration camera and relates to the technical field of monitoring, which comprises a metal hose, a display terminal connected to one end of the metal hose, a hard pipe connected to the other end of the metal hose, a miniature camera installed in the hard pipe, the miniature camera being signal connected with the display terminal, a plurality of turnover plates distributed along the periphery of the hard pipe in a ring shape, one end of each of the turnover plates being rotationally connected with the hard pipe, an air inflation power mechanism for driving corresponding turnover plates to turn outward and abut against the inner wall of a channel to form a supporting point outside the hard pipe, thereby realizing the steering and angle adjustment of the miniature camera, and a controller for controlling the air inflation power mechanism to drive corresponding turnover plates to turn over respectively. In the application, the turnover plates can serve as anti-collision barriers under the driving of air bags, and contact the inner wall before the miniature camera enters a curved channel, thereby reducing the risk of collision or scratching of the lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of surveillance technology, and specifically to a mobile space exploration camera. Background Technology

[0002] When exploring pipes, equipment cavities, building gaps, and other confined spaces, cameras are typically mounted at the end of flexible hoses. The hoses are then pushed to guide the camera into the area to be explored, allowing for the acquisition of internal images. Because these spaces often contain bends, protrusions, dirt, or irregular inner walls, the camera is prone to collisions or friction with these walls during advancement. This can cause dust, oil, water stains, and other impurities to adhere to the lens, affecting image clarity and potentially even scratching it.

[0003] Furthermore, existing detection camera devices mostly rely on the bending of the flexible hose or manual adjustment of the propulsion direction. The camera end lacks a structure that can actively change the support position, making it difficult to adjust the forward direction in time when encountering curved channels, and also making it difficult to avoid the camera directly hitting the wall. Although some devices are equipped with protective components or cleaning structures, the protection, steering and cleaning functions are usually independent of each other, resulting in low structural utilization. Moreover, lens contamination often requires the device to be withdrawn and manually cleaned, affecting continuous detection efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a mobile space exploration camera that solves the problem that the camera is prone to collision or friction with the inner wall during the advancement process, resulting in dust, oil, water stains and other impurities adhering to the lens, affecting the image clarity, and in severe cases, may even cause lens scratches.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solutions, the present invention comprising:

[0006] A flexible metal tube, one end of which is connected to a display terminal, and the other end of which is connected to a rigid tube;

[0007] A miniature camera is installed inside the rigid tube, and the miniature camera is connected to the display terminal via a signal.

[0008] Multiple flip plates are distributed in a ring at intervals around the periphery of the rigid tube, and one end of each flip plate is rotatably connected to the rigid tube.

[0009] An inflatable power mechanism is used to drive the corresponding flip plate to flip outward and abut against the inner wall of the channel to form a support point on the outside of the rigid tube, thereby realizing the turning and angle adjustment of the miniature camera.

[0010] The controller is used to control the pneumatic power mechanism to drive the corresponding flipping plate to flip.

[0011] Preferably, the inflation power mechanism includes multiple airbags and a micro inflation / deflation pump. The multiple airbags are respectively disposed between a rigid tube and multiple flip plates. The multiple airbags are respectively connected to the micro inflation / deflation pump through a first flexible air tube. Each of the multiple first flexible air tubes is provided with an electronic valve and a pressure sensor. The electronic valve and the pressure sensor are both electrically connected to the controller.

[0012] Preferably, the airbag can be inflated by a micro inflator-deflatement pump, so that the corresponding flip plate flips outward and abuts against the inner wall of the channel, thereby forming a support point on the outside of the rigid tube to assist the metal flexible tube in generating attitude deflection.

[0013] Preferably, the degree of outward rotation of the multiple flip plates can be adjusted by the inflation amount of the corresponding airbags to drive the corresponding flip plates to rotate outward and abut against the inner wall of the channel. The rigid tube changes the shooting position of the miniature camera under the reverse support of the flip plates.

[0014] Preferably, at least one of the flip plates is provided with a first rigid air tube and a second rigid air tube, one end of the first rigid air tube is connected to the corresponding airbag, the other end of the first rigid air tube is connected to the second rigid air tube through a second flexible air tube, and the air outlet of the second rigid air tube is positioned toward the lens area of ​​the miniature camera.

[0015] An air passage opening and closing mechanism is provided on the corresponding flip plate, which is used to control the air passage opening or closing of the second soft air tube.

[0016] Preferably, the air passage opening and closing mechanism includes a squeezing block slidably disposed on the flip plate, a first spring between the inner side of the squeezing block and the flip plate, the first spring giving the squeezing block an outward displacement force, through holes located on both sides of the squeezing block on the flip plate, and through holes on the squeezing block, through which the second flexible air tube passes;

[0017] When the extrusion block slides outward under the action of the first spring, the perforation is misaligned with the first rigid air tube, and the second flexible air tube undergoes bending deformation and is in a cut-off state.

[0018] When the extrusion block slides inward, the perforation corresponds to the first rigid air tube, and the second flexible air tube resumes conduction and is in a state of ventilation.

[0019] Preferably, the air circuit opening and closing mechanism further includes a stroke-triggered traction component for adjusting the position of the extrusion block. The stroke-triggered traction component includes a slide rod fixed to the side of the extrusion block near the rigid tube. A circular stop block is fixed to the end of the slide rod away from the extrusion block. An annular slider is slidably sleeved on the outer side of the slide rod. An inclined surface is formed on the side of the annular slider near the extrusion block. A second spring is sleeved on the slide rod. The end of the circular stop block near the annular slider has a groove for receiving the second spring.

[0020] Multiple elastic grippers are fixed to the outside of the rigid tube. These elastic grippers can cooperate with a circular stop or annular slider to restrict or release the position of the squeezing block.

[0021] Preferably, the end of the elastic gripper near the circular stop has an arc-shaped structure, so as to guide the elastic gripper to cooperate with the circular stop or the annular slider when the flip plate flips outward or in the direction of the rigid tube.

[0022] Preferably, the micro inflator pump is controlled to evacuate the corresponding airbag, causing the corresponding flip plate to retract towards the rigid tube, and the elastic gripper to engage with the circular stop block to restrict the outward movement of the squeezing block; then the micro inflator pump is controlled to inflate the corresponding airbag, so that the second soft air tube is in a ventilated state, and the gas is sprayed sequentially through the first rigid air tube, the second soft air tube, and the second rigid air tube to the lens area of ​​the micro camera, thereby cleaning the lens area of ​​the micro camera.

[0023] Preferably, the flip plate has an arc-shaped portion at one end near the miniature camera, and the arc-shaped portion bends and extends toward one side of the miniature camera.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0025] 1. In this invention, the flip plate, driven by the airbag, can act as a collision barrier, contacting the inner wall before the miniature camera when it enters the curved channel, reducing the risk of the lens being bumped or scratched. It can also be used at the bend to abut against the inner wall on one side, forming a support point on the outside of the rigid tube. The support reaction helps the metal flexible tube to deflect, allowing the camera to smoothly advance along the bend. The collision protection, steering assistance, and attitude adjustment functions are integrated into the same actuator, eliminating the need to set up separate drive components for each function, simplifying the end structure, and improving the device's ability to pass through narrow spaces and the structural utilization rate.

[0026] 2. The controller can independently control the inflation and deflation of the flip plates located in different positions, causing each flip plate to flip outward to varying degrees and press against the inner wall of the channel. The rigid pipe changes orientation under the unbalanced support and reaction force of the multiple flip plates, thereby adjusting the shooting angle of the miniature camera. The entire adjustment process does not require removing the device from the channel or adding an extra angle adjustment motor. The operator can perform fine-tuning of the angle while observing the image changes in real time on the display terminal, improving detection efficiency and operational convenience. It is especially suitable for detection scenarios where the target object is located on the side wall of the pipe or requires multi-angle observation.

[0027] 3. The air passage opening and closing mechanism controls the opening and closing of the second flexible air tube through the cooperation of the compression block and the first spring. This allows the airbag to maintain air passage cutoff under normal support conditions, ensuring support rigidity. When the flip plate retracts to a specific position, the air passage is opened, and the same miniature inflation / deflation pump directs the airflow to the lens area for cleaning. Without relying on a separate air pump or cleaning motor, it fully utilizes existing inflation power sources and the stroke of the flip plate, achieving lens cleaning functionality in detection scenarios with extremely limited end space, reducing the probability of needing to exit for cleaning after lens contamination. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the installation of the center-flipping plate;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the axial cross-sectional planar structure in the diagram;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the diagram;

[0032] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the cooperation between the air circuit opening and closing mechanism and the air charging power mechanism;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the gas circuit opening and closing mechanism;

[0034] The numbers in the diagram represent:

[0035] 1-Display terminal; 2-Metal flexible hose; 21-Rigid tube; 3-Flip plate; 31-Arc-shaped part; 4-Miniature camera; 5-Lighting lamp; 61-Airbag; 62-First flexible air tube; 63-Miniature inflation / deflation pump; 64-First rigid air tube; 65-Second rigid air tube; 66-Second flexible air tube; 7-Air passage opening / closing mechanism; 71-Squeezing block; 72-Restricting block; 73-Perforation; 74-Elastic gripper; 75-Sliding rod; 76-Annular slider; 77-Circular stop; 78-Second spring; 79-Through hole; 710-First spring; 711-Outer casing. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] This embodiment provides a technical solution: a mobile space exploration camera, such as... Figures 1-5 As shown, the device includes a display terminal 1 and a miniature camera 4, which are connected by a signal. The display terminal 1 is used to display image information captured by the miniature camera 4 and can also serve as an external operating terminal for the operator to hold, observe, and control. A controller is installed inside the display terminal 1. A flexible metal hose 2 is connected to one side of the display terminal 1. The flexible metal hose 2 has a certain degree of flexibility and can be pushed into pipes, equipment cavities, building gaps, or other narrow spaces under external force, and can adapt to the direction of the narrow space by bending accordingly.

[0039] In this embodiment, the side closer to the central axis of the rigid tube 21 is defined as the inner side, and the side farther from the central axis of the rigid tube 21 is defined as the outer side; the end closer to the lens of the miniature camera 4 is defined as the front end, and the end closer to the metal flexible tube 2 is defined as the rear end.

[0040] A rigid tube 21 is fixed to the end of the metal flexible tube 2 away from the display terminal 1. The length of the rigid tube 21 is set so that it can enter the curved channel with the metal flexible tube 2, so as to avoid the rigid tube 21 being too long and affecting the turning. The miniature camera 4 is installed in the inner cavity of the rigid tube 21. An illumination lamp 5 is provided on the outside of the miniature camera 4. The illumination lamp 5 can be a ring structure. The illumination lamp 5 is used to provide supplementary light in the low light environment, thereby improving the clarity of the image captured by the miniature camera 4. Both the illumination lamp 5 and the miniature camera 4 can be commercially available miniature devices that are compatible with the size of the rigid tube 21.

[0041] Multiple flip plates 3 are rotatably mounted on the outside of the rigid tube 21 via hinges. The flip plates 3 extend along the axial direction of the rigid tube 21 and are distributed in a ring around the periphery of the rigid tube 21. The end of the flip plate 3 near the metal flexible tube 2 is rotatably connected to the rigid tube 21, so that the end of the flip plate 3 near the miniature camera 4 can be flipped away from the rigid tube 21.

[0042] The flip plate 3 has an arc-shaped part 31 at one end near the miniature camera 4. The arc-shaped part 31 bends and extends towards one side of the miniature camera 4. By setting the arc-shaped part 31, the scraping between the end of the flip plate 3 and the inner wall of the slit can be reduced, and it can also play a certain guiding and protective role when the miniature camera 4 is close to the obstacle.

[0043] Multiple flip plates 3 are driven to rotate by an inflation power mechanism. The inflation power mechanism includes an airbag 61 disposed between the rigid tube 21 and the flip plate 3. The airbag 61 is fixedly connected to the rigid tube 21 and connected to the flip plate 3. When the airbag 61 is inflated, it can push the flip plate 3 to flip outward. When the airbag 61 is deflated, it causes the airbag 61 to contract and pull the flip plate 3 to retract. The flip plate 3 can retract towards the rigid tube 21.

[0044] The inflation mechanism also includes a miniature inflation / deflation pump 63, which can be installed at the bottom of the display terminal 1 or externally. Multiple airbags 61 are connected to first flexible air tubes 62, and multiple first flexible air tubes 62 are arranged inside the metal hose 2.

[0045] The outlet of the miniature inflatable and deflateable pump 63 is connected to a distribution pipe, which is connected to multiple first flexible air tubes 62. Each first flexible air tube 62 is equipped with an electronic valve and a pressure sensor (not shown in the figure). The controller controls the opening or closing of different electronic valves, enabling the miniature inflatable and deflateable pump 63 to inflate or deflate the airbag 61 at a designated location. The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure inside the corresponding airbag 61 and feeds the pressure signal back to the controller to limit the outward tilting degree of the flip plate 3.

[0046] The airbag 61 is made of rubber or silicone with elastic retraction capability, meaning it can deform. This allows the flip plate 3 to flip outwards when the airbag 61 is inflated. When the micro-inflation / deflation pump 63 deflates the airbag 61, the airbag 61 contracts under negative pressure and its own elasticity, thereby causing the flip plate 3 to retract towards the rigid tube 21. Alternatively, the airbag 61 and the flip plate 3 can be connected flexibly, for example, by attaching a hinge plate to the airbag 61 and hinged to the flip plate 3.

[0047] Optionally, a reset spring (not shown in the figure) may be provided between the flip plate 3 and the rigid tube 21. The reset spring is used to assist the flip plate 3 in returning to the position close to the rigid tube 21. The reset spring may be a rubber pull rope or a tension spring.

[0048] When the miniature camera 4 approaches the inner wall, protrusions, or debris during its advancement, the flip plate 3 flips outward and can contact the external structure before the miniature camera 4. At this time, the flip plate 3 and its arc-shaped part 31 can form a protective barrier, reducing the risk of the miniature camera 4 directly colliding with or rubbing against the inner wall, and also reducing the possibility of the lens surface being scratched or having dirt stuck to it.

[0049] When the metal hose 2 enters the curved channel, the operator can control the miniature inflation and deflation pump 63 to inflate the airbag 61 at the corresponding position. After the airbag 61 expands, it pushes the corresponding flip plate 3 to flip outward. The flip plate 3 contacts the inner wall of the channel. After the flip plate 3 flips outward, it forms a support point on the outside of the rigid tube 21. The front end of the metal hose 2 can be deflected under the reaction of the support point, thereby assisting the miniature camera 4 to avoid obstacles or continue to move forward along the curve.

[0050] When it is necessary to adjust the shooting angle of the miniature camera 4, air can be inflated into the corresponding airbag 61, causing the corresponding flip plate 3 to flip outward and abut against the inner wall. After the flip plate 3 contacts the inner wall, the position of the rigid tube 21 and the miniature camera 4 will be supported in the opposite direction, thereby changing the orientation or shooting position of the miniature camera 4. By controlling the degree of outward flipping of the flip plate 3 at different positions, the observation position of the miniature camera 4 can be finely adjusted without removing the device.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] This embodiment is a further optimization based on Embodiment 1, and the parts that are the same as in Embodiment 1 will not be repeated here. Figures 1-6 As shown, in order to clean the lens of the miniature camera 4 with airflow in a confined space, the flip plate 3 is further provided with an air passage opening and closing mechanism 7.

[0053] In this embodiment, at least one airbag 61 is connected to a first rigid air tube 64. The first rigid air tube 64 extends along the length of the flip plate 3. The end of the first rigid air tube 64 away from the airbag 61 is connected to a second flexible air tube 66. The end of the second flexible air tube 66 away from the first rigid air tube 64 is connected to a second rigid air tube 65. The second rigid air tube 65 continues to extend along the flip plate 3 toward the arc-shaped portion 31. The end of the second rigid air tube 65 near the arc-shaped portion 31 forms an air outlet, and the air outlet is positioned toward the lens area of ​​the miniature camera 4.

[0054] The air passage opening and closing mechanism 7 is located at the second flexible air tube 66 to cut off and open the second flexible air tube 66.

[0055] During normal advance and observation, the second flexible air tube 66 is cut off by the air passage opening and closing mechanism 7. At this time, the gas in the airbag 61 is mainly used to drive the flip plate 3 to flip outward or retract inward, and will not be continuously discharged from the second rigid air tube 65. This ensures that the airbag 61 has stable support capabilities, allowing the flip plate 3 to reliably abut against the inner wall of the narrow space, achieving the functions of guidance, collision prevention, and adjustment of the shooting angle.

[0056] The air passage opening and closing mechanism 7 includes a squeezing block 71 that slides through the flip plate 3, and through holes 79 are provided on both sides of the flip plate 3. The length of the through holes 79 is less than the length of the squeezing block 71 to ensure the stability of the squeezing block 71 sliding. A first spring 710 is installed between the inner side of the squeezing block 71 and the flip plate 3. The first spring 710 gives the squeezing block 71 a force to displace it outward. A through hole 73 is provided on the squeezing block 71, and a second flexible air tube 66 passes through the through hole 73. A limiting block 72 is fixed on the outer side of the squeezing block 71.

[0057] When the compression block 71 is displaced outward by the first spring 710, the perforation 73 is misaligned with the first rigid air tube 64, and the second flexible air tube 66 is pulled, causing the second flexible air tube 66 to be compressed and bent. Figure 4 As shown, the second flexible air tube 66 is compressed into four bends: entering the right through hole 79, entering the perforation 73, exiting the perforation 73, and exiting the left through hole 79. This causes the second flexible air tube 66 to be cut off and unable to pass through, preventing air from escaping from the airbag 61 through the second rigid air tube 65. At this time, the airbag 61 mainly serves to push the flipping plate 3 to flip, achieving support, steering, and anti-collision functions. When the compression block 71 moves inward, the perforation 73 aligns with the position of the first rigid air tube 64, and the second flexible air tube 66 resumes its conductivity, entering a ventilated state.

[0058] It should be noted that the total length of the second flexible air tube 66 is greater than the distance between the ends of the first rigid air tube 64 and the second rigid air tube 65; the width of the single-sided through hole 79 is slightly larger than the bidirectional sidewall of the second flexible air tube 66, which allows the second flexible air tube 66 to be tightly fitted into the through hole 79, ensuring a tight seal when cut off; both ends of the second flexible air tube 66 can be detachably connected to the first rigid air tube 64 and the second rigid air tube 65 respectively, so that the second flexible air tube 66 can be replaced when it wears out after long-term use.

[0059] The air circuit switching mechanism 7 also includes a stroke-triggered traction assembly, which is used to adjust the position of the extrusion block 71. The stroke-triggered traction assembly includes a slide rod 75 fixed to the side of the extrusion block 71 near the rigid tube 21 and multiple elastic grippers 74 fixed to the outside of the rigid tube 21. An annular slider 76 is sleeved on the outside of the slide rod 75. The annular slider 76 can slide along the length of the slide rod 75. A circular stop 77 is fixed to the end of the slide rod 75 away from the extrusion block 71. A second spring 78 is sleeved on the slide rod 75. One end of the second spring 78 abuts against the annular slider 76, and the other end of the second spring 78 abuts against the circular stop 77 to ensure that a certain distance is maintained between the annular slider 76 and the circular stop 77 when no other force is applied. The circular stop 77 has an annular groove at the end near the annular slider 76, and the annular slider 76 has an inclined surface on the side near the extrusion block 71.

[0060] Multiple elastic grippers 74 are distributed in a ring on the outside of the rigid tube 21, and the end of the elastic gripper 74 near the circular stop 77 is an arc-shaped structure that bends toward the circular stop 77 to form a limiting part.

[0061] An outer cover 711 is provided on the outside of the flip plate 3 to cover the outside of the extrusion block 71, so as to prevent foreign objects from colliding with the extrusion block 71.

[0062] It should be noted that since the flip plate 3 is flipped, the movement trajectory of the annular slider 76 and the circular stop 77 of the air passage switching mechanism 7 is an arc. Therefore, in order to ensure accuracy, the squeezing block 71, the slide bar 75, the annular slider 76, the circular stop 77 and the multiple elastic grippers 74 can all be set in an arc shape according to this arc movement trajectory.

[0063] The operation steps in this embodiment are as follows:

[0064] When in use, a certain amount of air is injected into the airbag 61 to make it slightly inflated. At this time, the circular stop 77 will not contact the multiple elastic grippers 74.

[0065] When the lens of the miniature camera 4 is covered with dust or water stains and needs to be cleaned, the miniature inflation and deflation pump 63 is controlled to pump air from the corresponding airbag 61 (rotating plate 3 with air passage opening and closing mechanism 7), causing the airbag 61 to contract and pull the flip plate 3 to retract. The flip plate 3 retracts inward at a first stroke angle towards the rigid tube 21, and the elastic gripper 74 comes into contact with the circular stop 77. Since the elastic gripper 74 has elastic deformation capability, it can pass over the circular stop 77 during the relative movement of the slide bar 75. The elastic gripper 74 can temporarily limit the circular stop 77.

[0066] At this time, the micro inflator 63 is controlled to inflate the corresponding airbag 61 (the flip plate 3 with the air passage opening and closing mechanism 7). Since the circular stop 77 is restricted by the elastic gripper 74, the entire squeezing block 71 cannot be displaced to the outside, and the limiting block 72 contacts the outside of the flip plate 3 to limit the maximum flip angle of the flip plate 3. At this time, the perforation 73 corresponds to the position of the first rigid air tube 64, and the second flexible air tube 66 is restored to conduction and is in the air-ventilated state. The controller controls the micro inflator 63 to continuously supply air to the corresponding airbag 61. The airbag 61 serves as a temporary buffer chamber. After the airflow passes through the first rigid air tube 64, the second flexible air tube 66, and the second rigid air tube 65, it is ejected from the air outlet. The ejected airflow can blow towards the surface of the micro camera 4, thereby cleaning the dust and water stains on the lens.

[0067] After cleaning, the micro inflation and deflation pump 63 is controlled to pump air from the corresponding airbag 61 (rotating plate 3 with air passage opening and closing mechanism 7), causing the airbag 61 to contract and pull the flipping plate 3 to retract. The flipping plate 3 retracts inward at a second stroke angle (which is smaller than the first stroke angle) towards the rigid tube 21. The elastic gripper 74 comes into contact with the annular slider 76. Because the elastic gripper 74 has elastic deformation capability, it can pass over the annular slider 76 during the relative movement of the slide bar 75.

[0068] Subsequently, the micro-inflation and deflation pump 63 is controlled to inflate the corresponding airbag 61 (rotating plate 3 with air passage opening and closing mechanism 7). When the flip plate 3 flips outward, the annular slider 76 is pulled to slide along the slide rod 75 and compresses the second spring 78, so that the second spring 78 is stored in the groove. The annular slider 76 contacts the circular stop 77. As the flip plate 3 continues to flip outward, the elastic gripper 74 will unfold under the guidance of the inclined surface, and finally the elastic gripper 74 will disengage from the annular slider 76 and the circular stop 77. The squeezing block 71 returns to its original position under the action of the first spring 710. At this time, the second soft air tube 66 is in the cut-off state.

[0069] The second flexible air tube 66 can be a silicone hose or other flexible tube with elastic rebound capability, so that it can form an airway cutoff when bent and restore conduction after release.

[0070] The cleaning actions described above can be programmed into the controller of display terminal 1, and can be completed with a single click during use, bringing convenience to the operation.

[0071] Therefore, when lens cleaning is not required, the second flexible air tube 66 remains air-free, and the airbag 61 can stably drive the flip plate 3 to achieve external support, guidance, and attitude adjustment. When lens cleaning is needed, a specific inward movement of the flip plate 3 triggers the air passage on / off mechanism 7, temporarily opening the second flexible air tube 66, thereby using the same air source to form a cleaning airflow towards the miniature camera 4. This eliminates the need for separate cleaning nozzles and separate cleaning air passages, improving the structural utilization of the flip plate 3 and airbag 61, and allowing the camera to complete lens cleaning without leaving a confined space.

[0072] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will understand that many changes, modifications, and even equivalents can be made within the spirit and scope defined by the claims of the present invention, all of which will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mobile space exploration camera, characterized in that, include: Metal flexible tube (2), one end of which is connected to a display terminal (1), and the other end of which is connected to a rigid tube (21). A miniature camera (4) is installed inside the rigid tube (21), and the miniature camera (4) is signal-connected to the display terminal (1); Multiple flip plates (3) are distributed in a ring at intervals around the periphery of the rigid tube (21), and one end of the flip plate (3) is rotatably connected to the rigid tube (21); An inflatable power mechanism is used to drive the corresponding flip plate (3) to flip outward and abut against the inner wall of the channel to form a support point on the outside of the rigid tube (21) to realize the turning and angle adjustment of the miniature camera (4); The controller is used to control the pneumatic power mechanism to drive the corresponding flipping plate (3) to flip.

2. The mobile space exploration camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inflation power mechanism includes multiple airbags (61) and a miniature inflation / deflation pump (63). The multiple airbags (61) are respectively disposed between the rigid tube (21) and multiple flip plates (3). The multiple airbags (61) are respectively connected to the miniature inflation / deflation pump (63) through a first flexible air tube (62). The multiple first flexible air tubes (62) are respectively provided with electronic valves and air pressure sensors. The electronic valves and air pressure sensors are electrically connected to the controller.

3. The mobile space exploration camera as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The airbag (61) is adapted to be inflated by a micro inflator / deflater pump (63) so that the corresponding flip plate (3) flips outward and abuts against the inner wall of the channel, thereby forming a support point on the outside of the rigid tube (21) to assist the metal hose (2) in generating attitude deflection.

4. The mobile space exploration camera as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The degree of outward rotation of the multiple flip plates (3) is adapted to be adjusted by the inflation amount of the corresponding airbag (61) to drive the corresponding flip plate (3) to flip outward and abut against the inner wall of the channel. The rigid tube (21) changes the shooting position of the miniature camera (4) under the reverse support of the flip plate (3).

5. The mobile space exploration camera according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the flip plates (3) is provided with a first rigid air tube (64) and a second rigid air tube (65). One end of the first rigid air tube (64) is connected to the corresponding airbag (61), and the other end of the first rigid air tube (64) is connected to the second rigid air tube (65) through a second flexible air tube (66). The air outlet of the second rigid air tube (65) is set towards the lens area of ​​the miniature camera (4). An air passage opening and closing mechanism (7) is provided on the corresponding flip plate (3), which is used to control the second soft air tube (66) to be ventilated or cut off.

6. The mobile space exploration camera according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air passage opening and closing mechanism (7) includes a squeezing block (71) that is slidably disposed on the flip plate (3), a first spring (710) between the inner side of the squeezing block (71) and the flip plate (3), the first spring (710) giving the squeezing block (71) a force to displace it outward, the flip plate (3) having through holes (79) on both sides of the squeezing block (71), the squeezing block (71) having a perforation (73), and the second flexible air tube (66) passing through the perforation (73); When the extrusion block (71) slides outward under the action of the first spring (710), the perforation (73) is misaligned with the first rigid air tube (64), and the second flexible air tube (66) undergoes bending deformation and is in a cut-off state. When the extrusion block (71) slides inward, the perforation (73) corresponds to the first rigid air tube (64), and the second flexible air tube (66) resumes conduction and is in a ventilated state.

7. The mobile space exploration camera according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air circuit switching mechanism (7) also includes a stroke-triggered traction assembly, which is used to adjust the position of the extrusion block (71). The stroke-triggered traction assembly includes a slide rod (75) fixed to the side of the extrusion block (71) near the hard tube (21). A circular stop block (77) is fixed to the end of the slide rod (75) away from the extrusion block (71). An annular slider (76) is slidably sleeved on the outside of the slide rod (75). An inclined surface is formed on the side of the annular slider (76) near the extrusion block (71). A second spring (78) is sleeved on the slide rod (75). The end of the circular stop block (77) near the annular slider (76) has a groove for receiving the second spring (78). Multiple elastic grippers (74) are fixed to the outside of the rigid tube (21). The multiple elastic grippers (74) are adapted to cooperate with the circular stop (77) or the annular slider (76) to restrict or release the position of the squeezing block (71).

8. The mobile space exploration camera according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elastic gripper (74) has an arc-shaped structure at one end near the circular stop (77) so that when the flip plate (3) flips outward or in the direction of the hard tube (21), the elastic gripper (74) can be guided to cooperate with the circular stop (77) or the annular slider (76).

9. The mobile space exploration camera according to claim 7, characterized in that, The micro inflatable pump (63) is controlled to draw air from the corresponding airbag (61), causing the corresponding flip plate (3) to retract towards the hard tube (21), and the elastic gripper (74) to cooperate with the circular stop (77) to restrict the extrusion of the squeezing block (71); then the micro inflatable pump (63) is controlled to inflate the corresponding airbag (61), so that the second soft air tube (66) is in a ventilated state, and the gas is sprayed sequentially through the first hard air tube (64), the second soft air tube (66) and the second hard air tube (65) to the lens area of ​​the micro camera (4), thereby cleaning the lens area of ​​the micro camera (4).

10. The mobile space exploration camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flip plate (3) has an arc-shaped portion (31) at one end near the miniature camera (4), and the arc-shaped portion (31) bends and extends toward one side of the miniature camera (4).

Images