Multi-view camera

Abstract

The utility model provides a multi-view camera which comprises a front shell assembly and a rear shell assembly, the front shell assembly and the rear shell assembly are spliced in the vertical direction to form a cuboid shape, and the front shell assembly is located below the rear shell assembly; the front shell assembly comprises a front shell body which is provided with a first bottom surface forming the bottom surface of the cuboid shape and four assembling surfaces forming the side walls of the cuboid shape; the lens assemblies are installed on the assembling surfaces in a one-to-one correspondence mode, and the optical axis directions of the lens assemblies extend in the horizontal direction; wherein lenses of the lens assemblies at least partially protrude out of the side wall, so that the visual field ranges of the plurality of lens assemblies are combined to fully cover in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of cameras, and particularly relates to a multi-lens camera. Background Art

[0002] In order to achieve a larger shooting field of view, it can be realized by splicing multiple cameras. When adopting a four-lens splicing scheme, generally, a lens fixing and installation structure is made inside the fuselage. In this way, a full-angle coverage of the field of view cannot be achieved. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides a multi-lens camera, in which the lenses protrude from the surface of the housing, so that the field of view ranges of multiple lens assemblies can be combined into a full-angle coverage in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0004] An embodiment of the utility model provides a multi-lens camera, including:

[0005] A front housing, the front housing is formed into a cube structure, and any assembly surface of the cube structure has a through central hole;

[0006] A first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, a third lens assembly and a fourth lens assembly;

[0007] The first lens assembly, the second lens assembly, the third lens assembly and the fourth lens assembly are sequentially assembled to the front housing through the central hole in the clockwise direction. The first optical axis defined by the first lens assembly, the second optical axis defined by the second lens assembly, the third optical axis defined by the third lens assembly and the fourth optical axis defined by the fourth lens assembly are defined as follows: the first optical axis and the third optical axis are coplanar and do not intersect, and the second optical axis and the fourth optical axis are coplanar and do not intersect.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first optical axis, the second optical axis, the third optical axis and the fourth optical axis are coplanar.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first optical axis intersects with the second optical axis and the fourth optical axis, and the third optical axis intersects with the second optical axis and the fourth optical axis.

[0010] In one embodiment, the intersection points form a square shape.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first lens assembly, the second lens assembly, the third lens assembly and the fourth lens assembly have the same structure.

[0012] The first lens assembly includes a lens adapter, a lens, and a decorative cover, wherein the lens is supported on the assembly surface via the lens adapter; the decorative cover covers the lens adapter, and at least a part of the lens protrudes from the decorative cover.

[0013] In one embodiment, the decorative cover includes a first main body portion and a second extending portion, wherein the first main body portion covers any assembly surface of the front shell housing, and the second extending portion covers at least a part of an adjacent other assembly surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, it includes: a rear shell assembly, and the rear shell assembly is joined with the front shell housing along the vertical direction to form a cuboid shape.

[0015] In one embodiment, the assembly surface further includes a boss, the boss is located outside the central hole, and the lens adapter is assembled to the boss.

[0016] In one embodiment, the lens adapter includes: a first positioning post, the first positioning post protrudes from the first surface of the lens adapter to be in positioning cooperation with the boss, and the first surface faces the assembly surface; and / or

[0017] a second positioning post, the second positioning post protrudes from the second surface of the lens adapter to be in positioning cooperation with the positioning hole of the lens, and the second surface faces away from the assembly surface.

[0018] In one embodiment, it includes:

[0019] a sealing ring, the sealing ring is limited between the lens adapter and the assembly surface, and the sealing ring surrounds the central hole.

[0020] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this embodiment provides a structural implementation solution for a four - camera stitching camera, and the overall shape of the camera is a cuboid. Four groups of lens assemblies 3 are evenly distributed on the four side surfaces of the front cover assembly 1, the lens of each lens assembly 3 protrudes outwards from the surface of the front cover assembly 1, and the front cover assembly 1 is located at the bottom position of the camera. In this way, the occlusion of the field of view by the body structure can be minimized. Except for a partial area at the top (the position directly above the cuboid), the device basically realizes a 720° non - dead - angle visible range, that is, 360° full coverage in the horizontal direction and 360° full coverage in the vertical direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The following drawings only make schematic illustrations and explanations of the present utility model, and do not limit the scope of the present utility model.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the multi - camera of the present utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the optical axis position of the multi-lens camera of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a partial explosion schematic diagram of the multi-lens camera of the present utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the front shell of the multi-lens camera of the present utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the lens adapter in the multi-lens camera of the present utility model.

[0027] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of the multi-lens camera of the present utility model.

[0028] Figure 9 It is a partial schematic diagram of the multi-lens camera of the present utility model. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] For a clearer understanding of the technical features, purposes and effects of the utility model, the specific implementation manners of the present utility model are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same parts.

[0030] In this document, "schematic" means "serving as an example, instance or illustration", and any illustration or implementation manner described as "schematic" in this document should not be construed as a more preferred or more advantageous technical solution.

[0031] For the sake of simplicity of the drawings, only the parts related to the present utility model are schematically shown in each figure, and do not represent the actual structure of the product. In addition, for the sake of simplicity and easy understanding of the drawings, in some figures, components with the same structure or function are only schematically shown for one of them, or only one of them is marked.

[0032] In this document, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc. are only used to represent the relative positional relationship between relevant parts, rather than limiting the absolute positions of these relevant parts.

[0033] In this document, "first", "second", etc. are only used for distinguishing from each other, rather than indicating the importance degree, order, and the prerequisite for mutual existence, etc.

[0034] In this document, terms such as "equal" and "identical" are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include allowable errors that can be understood by those skilled in the art and are permitted in manufacturing or use. Unless otherwise specified, the numerical ranges in this document include not only the entire range within its two endpoints, but also several sub-ranges contained therein.

[0035] Now, various exemplary embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] As Figures 1 to 9 shown, an embodiment of the present utility model provides a multi-camera, including:

[0037] A front shell assembly 1 and a rear shell assembly 2, the front shell assembly 1 and the rear shell assembly 2 are joined together along the vertical direction to form a cuboid shape, and the front shell assembly 1 is located below the rear shell assembly 2;

[0038] The front shell assembly 1 includes:

[0039] A front shell housing 11, the front shell housing 11 has a first bottom surface forming the bottom surface of a cube shape, and four assembly surfaces forming the side walls of a cube shape; and

[0040] A lens assembly, the lens assemblies are respectively mounted on the assembly surfaces one by one.

[0041] Wherein, the lens assembly includes a first lens assembly 31, a second lens assembly 32, a third lens assembly 33 and a fourth lens assembly 34. The first lens assembly 31 defines a first optical axis L1, the second lens assembly defines a second optical axis L2, the third lens assembly 33 defines a third optical axis L3, and the fourth lens assembly 34 defines a fourth optical axis L4. The first lens assembly 31, the second lens assembly 32, the third lens assembly 33 and the fourth lens assembly 34 are sequentially mounted on the four assembly surfaces in a clockwise direction. Wherein, each lens assembly is mounted to the front shell housing 11 via a central hole 14. The structures of the first lens assembly 31, the second lens assembly 32, the third lens assembly 33 and the fourth lens assembly 34 are the same.

[0042] Combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the optical axes of the lens groups arranged on the opposite assembly surfaces are coplanar and do not intersect. Specifically, the first optical axis L1 and the third optical axis L3 are coplanar and do not intersect, and the second optical axis L2 and the fourth optical axis L4 are coplanar and do not intersect.

[0043] Based on the optical axis L of the lens, the four groups of lens assemblies are evenly distributed on the same horizontal plane, and the adjacent lenses form a 90° angle. Further, in order to improve the image stitching effect, the lenses are arranged in a staggered manner. Wherein, the optical axis of the lens group does not coincide with the center of the corresponding front cover housing 11 and has a certain amount of offset. As Figure 2As shown, after offset, the lens can move inward in the optical axis direction to achieve the purpose of reducing the viewing point distance between the lenses.

[0044] In a specific example, the optical axes of the four lens assemblies are all located in the same horizontal plane.

[0045] Preferably, the optical axis L of lens 3 is located on the same side of the center of the assembly surface in the horizontal direction. Then, in the circumferential direction with the vertical direction as the central axis, the optical axis L of each lens 3 is offset in the same direction towards the center of the assembly surface.

[0046] For example, the optical axis L of each lens 3 is offset in the counterclockwise or clockwise direction with respect to the center of the corresponding assembly surface.

[0047] Among them, the first optical axis L1 intersects with the second optical axis L2 and the fourth optical axis L4 at the same time, and the third optical axis intersects with the second optical axis L2 and the fourth optical axis L4 at the same time. The intersection points can form a square shape.

[0048] Among them, taking the first lens group 31 as an example, the first lens assembly 31 includes:

[0049] A lens adapter 12, and the lens 3 is supported on the assembly surface via the lens adapter 12; and

[0050] A decorative cover 13, and the decorative cover 13 is assembled to the assembly surface to cover the lens adapter 12;

[0051] Among them, at least part of the lens of the lens 3 protrudes from the decorative cover 13.

[0052] Among them, the lens 3 is fixed to the lens adapter 12, the lens adapter 12 is fixed to the assembly surface of the front shell housing 11, and the decorative cover 13 is assembled to the assembly surface. Specifically, the lens 3 is fixed to the lens adapter 12 by screws, the lens adapter 12 is fixed to the front shell housing 11 by screws, and the decorative cover 13 is assembled to the lens adapter 12 by snap-fitting to cover the outer surface of the lens adapter 12.

[0053] Among them, at least part of the lens 3 protrudes from the side wall so that the viewing ranges of the multiple lenses 3 are combined to achieve full coverage in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction.

[0054] In this embodiment, a multi-camera is provided, which includes a front shell assembly 1 and a rear shell assembly 2 arranged along the vertical direction. Among them, the front shell assembly 1 is located below the rear shell assembly 2. The lenses 3 are all arranged on the front shell assembly 1, so the lenses 3 are located at the bottom position of the entire camera. Among them, the lens of the lens 3 protrudes from the side wall of the cuboid so that the shooting angle of view of the lens is prevented from being blocked by the outer shell.

[0055] Among them, the cuboid has four side walls, so the front shell 11 has four assembly surfaces, and each assembly surface has an angular difference of 90° from an adjacent assembly surface. Then the four lenses 3 are respectively installed on the corresponding assembly surfaces, and the optical axis direction of each lens 3 is the normal direction of the corresponding assembly surface. When the horizontal field angle of each lens 3 is greater than 90°, full coverage in the horizontal direction can be achieved, that is, the range of the combined viewing angle is within 0° to 360° in the horizontal direction. The viewing window angle in the vertical direction is determined by the field angle of each lens 3 in the vertical direction. Then, when the field angle of each lens 3 in the vertical direction is within the range of 0° to 360°, correspondingly, the multi-camera of this embodiment can also achieve full coverage of the angle in the vertical direction.

[0056] This embodiment provides a structural implementation solution for a four-camera stitching camera. The overall shape of the camera is a cuboid. The four groups of lenses 3 are evenly distributed on the four sides of the front cover assembly 1, and the lens of each lens 3 protrudes outward from the surface of the front cover assembly 1, and the front cover assembly 1 is located at the bottom of the camera. In this way, the occlusion of the field angle by the fuselage structure can be minimized. Except for a partial area at the top (the position directly above the cuboid), the device basically achieves a 720° dead-angle-free viewing range, that is, 360° full coverage in the horizontal direction and 360° full coverage in the vertical direction.

[0057] The multi-camera of this embodiment can be applied as an ordinary surveillance camera to achieve a large shooting field of view; it can also be applied as a camera used in a virtual reality (VR) device, so as to achieve a high application value at a low cost.

[0058] Taking the optical axis L of the lens as a reference, the four groups of lenses 3 are evenly distributed on the same horizontal plane, and the adjacent lenses form a 90° angle. Further, in order to improve the image stitching effect, the lenses are arranged in a staggered manner. Among them, the optical axis L of the lens 3 does not coincide with the center of the corresponding front cover housing 11 and has a certain amount of offset. As Figure 2 shown, after the offset, the lens 3 can move inward in the optical axis direction to achieve the purpose of reducing the viewing point distance between the lenses 3.

[0059] Among them, the assembly surface includes:

[0060] The central hole 14, and the central hole 14 is used for the lens 3 to pass through;

[0061] The boss 15, and the boss 15 is located outside the central hole 14, and the lens adapter 12 is assembled to the boss 15.

[0062] To ensure the perpendicularity and flatness between the four groups of lenses, the contact surface between the front cover housing 11 and the lens adapter 12 is optimized from large-surface contact to small-surface contact. Four small surfaces protrude at the fixing positions of the screws, and the boss 15 is used to reduce the contact area, which can make it easier to ensure the geometric tolerance during part processing. At the same time, it can reduce the machining amount and lower the part cost; further, it can improve the image stitching effect.

[0063] Among them, the lens adapter 12 includes:

[0064] The first positioning post 121, the first positioning post 121 protrudes from the first surface of the lens adapter 12 to be in positioning cooperation with the boss 15, and the first surface faces the assembly surface; and / or

[0065] The second positioning post 122, the second positioning post 122 protrudes from the second surface of the lens adapter 12 to be in positioning cooperation with the positioning hole of the lens 3, and the second surface faces away from the assembly surface.

[0066] The first positioning post 121 is used for the installation and positioning between the lens adapter 12 and the assembly surface, and the second positioning post 122 is used for the installation and positioning between the lens adapter 12 and the lens 3. By controlling the clearance and tolerance between the positioning posts and the positioning holes, the installation and fixing accuracy of the lens 3 on the front cover housing is improved.

[0067] In one embodiment, the decorative cover 13 includes a first main body portion 131 and a second extension portion 132, wherein the first main body portion 131 covers any assembly surface of the front shell housing 11, and the second extension portion 132 covers at least a part of the adjacent other assembly surface.

[0068] In one embodiment, it includes:

[0069] The sealing ring 4, in the optical axis direction, the sealing ring 4 is limited between the lens adapter 12 and the assembly surface, and the sealing ring 4 surrounds the central hole 14.

[0070] Among them, the sealing ring 4 has an elastic deformation amount in the optical axis direction to absorb the assembly tolerance.

[0071] Among them, the lens adapter 12 includes:

[0072] The dispensing groove 123, the dispensing groove 123 surrounds the central hole 14, and the dispensing groove 123 is opened on the second surface of the lens adapter 12.

[0073] Further, it includes:

[0074] The glue-blocking strip 124, in the optical axis direction, the glue-blocking strip 124 is limited between the lens 3 and the lens adapter 12, and in the radial direction of the central hole 14, the glue-blocking strip 124 is isolated between the dispensing groove 123 and the central hole 14;

[0075] The limiting rib 125 protrudes from the second surface of the lens adapter 12 along the optical axis direction, and the limiting rib 125 is limited to the outer edge of the rubber stop 124.

[0076] This embodiment adopts a waterproof sealing solution for an exposed lens. The main leakage points in the front cover assembly part include the lens body, the lens adapter, the front cover housing, and the lens module and the lens adapter. The waterproofing of the lens body is achieved by adding a silicone sheet between the lens and the lens structural member and pressing it with interference. The waterproofing between the lens adapter and the front cover housing is achieved by pressing a silicone ring with interference. The waterproofing between the lens module and the lens adapter is achieved by dispensing glue in the glue dispensing groove designed on the lens adapter. Since one end of the lens module has been rigidly fixed by screws, using a soft glue seal at the lens end can avoid the lens biasing force and the risk of image defocus. The multi-camera of this embodiment can achieve an IPX7-level waterproof performance.

[0077] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the glue does not leak into the fuselage, an EVA foam is pasted on the adapter. By having a slight interference with the lens module, the function of blocking the glue is achieved, and ribs are added on the adapter to ensure the regular adhesion of the EVA. Further, the glue dispensing groove is provided with an overflow notch, which can control the overflow position of the glue when there is too much glue, avoiding the influence of glue overflow on the assembly of the decorative cover.

[0078] In a preferred example, the rear shell assembly 2 includes:

[0079] A rear shell housing 21, the rear shell housing 21 has a second top surface forming the top surface of a cuboid shape and four second side walls forming the side walls of a cuboid shape;

[0080] Among them, the rear shell housing 21 includes a water discharge groove 22, and each water discharge groove 22 communicates between the second top surface and one of the second side walls.

[0081] Water discharge grooves are respectively provided on the sides of the rear cover assembly, which can timely drain the rain and snow accumulated on the top when the device is used outdoors; further, in order to avoid the long-term retention of the accumulated water between the gaps of the lens decorative cover and the lens adapter, notches are added at the corresponding positions below the lens decorative cover and the lens adapter, which can make the accumulated water flow out smoothly.

[0082] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this embodiment provides a structural implementation solution for a four-camera stitching camera. The overall shape of the camera is a cuboid. Four groups of lenses 3 are evenly distributed on the four sides of the front cover assembly 1. The lens of each lens 3 protrudes outward from the surface of the front cover assembly 1, and the front cover assembly 1 is located at the bottom of the camera. In this way, the occlusion of the field of view by the body structure can be minimized. Except for a partial area at the top (the position directly above the cuboid), the device basically achieves a 720° dead-angle-free viewing range, that is, 360° full coverage in the horizontal direction and 360° full coverage in the vertical direction.

[0083] This embodiment adopts a waterproof sealing solution for the exposed lens. The main leakage points in the front cover assembly part include the lens body, the lens adapter, the front cover housing, and the lens module and the lens adapter. The waterproofing of the lens body is achieved by adding a silica gel sheet between the lens and the lens structural member and pressing it with interference. The waterproofing between the lens adapter and the front cover housing is achieved by pressing a silica gel ring with interference. The waterproofing between the lens module and the lens adapter is achieved by dispensing glue in the dispensing groove designed on the lens adapter. Since one end of the lens module has been rigidly fixed by screws, using a soft glue seal at the lens end can avoid the lens deflection force and the risk of image defocus.

[0084] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of the feasible implementation modes of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent implementation solutions or changes made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, such as the combination, division, or repetition of features, shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-camera, characterized in that: include: A front shell body (11), the front shell body (11) being formed into a cubic structure, and any assembly surface of the cubic structure having a through central hole (14); A first lens assembly (31), a second lens assembly (32), a third lens assembly (33) and a fourth lens assembly (34); The first lens assembly (31), the second lens assembly (32), the third lens assembly (33) and the fourth lens assembly (34) are assembled to the front shell body (11) in sequence via the central hole (14) in a clockwise direction. The first optical axis (L1) defined by the first lens assembly (31), the second optical axis (L2) defined by the second lens assembly (32), the third optical axis (L3) defined by the third lens assembly (33) and the fourth optical axis (L4) defined by the fourth lens assembly (34) are defined as follows: the first optical axis (L1) and the third optical axis (L3) are coplanar and do not intersect, and the second optical axis (L2) and the fourth optical axis (L4) are coplanar and do not intersect.

2. The multi-eye camera according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first optical axis (L1), the second optical axis (L2), the third optical axis (L3) and the fourth optical axis (L4) are coplanar.

3. The multi-eye camera according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first optical axis (L1) intersects with the second optical axis (L2) and the fourth optical axis (L4), and the third optical axis (L3) intersects with the second optical axis (L2) and the fourth optical axis (L4).

4. The multi-eye camera according to claim 3, characterized in that: The points of intersection form a square shape.

5. The multi-eye camera according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first lens assembly (31), the second lens assembly (32), the third lens assembly (33) and the fourth lens assembly (34) have the same structure. The first lens assembly (31) comprises a lens adapter (12), a lens (3) and a decorative cover (13), wherein the lens (3) is supported on the mounting surface via the lens adapter (12); the decorative cover (13) covers the lens adapter (12), and the lens (3) at least partially protrudes from the decorative cover (13).

6. The multi-eye camera according to claim 5, characterized in that: The decorative cover (13) comprises a first main body portion (131) and a second extension portion (132), wherein the first main body portion (131) covers any assembly surface of the front shell body (11), and the second extension portion (132) covers at least a portion of another adjacent assembly surface.

7. The multi-eye camera according to claim 6, characterized in that: include: A rear shell component (2), wherein the rear shell component (2) and the front shell body (11) are assembled in a vertical direction to form a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

8. The multi-eye camera according to claim 5, characterized in that: The assembly surface further comprises a boss (15), the boss (15) being located outside the central hole (14), and the lens adapter (12) being assembled to the boss (15).

9. The multi-camera according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lens adapter (12) comprises: a first positioning column (121), the first positioning column (121) protruding from a first surface of the lens adapter (12) to be positioned and matched with the boss (15), the first surface facing the assembly surface; and / or A second positioning column (122), the second positioning column (122) protruding from a second surface of the lens adapter (12) to be positioned and matched with a positioning hole of the lens (3), the second surface facing away from the assembly surface.

10. The multi-camera according to claim 9, characterized in that: include: A sealing ring (4), the sealing ring (4) being located between the lens adapter (12) and the assembly surface, the sealing ring (4) surrounding the central hole (14).

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