Camera anti-fogging structure and unmanned aerial vehicle

By installing air ducts on the camera housing and laying a waterproof and breathable membrane, the problem of water vapor condensation caused by heat accumulation of the camera is solved, and air pressure balance is achieved, protecting the camera components and maintaining image clarity. It is suitable for drone cameras.

CN223297649UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-02ZHEJIANG GEELY HLDG GRP CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422394263.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-30
Publication Date
2025-09-02
Estimated Expiration
2034-09-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the working process, the pressure difference caused by heat accumulation in the camera causes water vapor to condense into fog, affecting the image clarity and the life of the camera component.

Method used

Install the airway on the camera housing and arrange a waterproof and breathable membrane to achieve internal and external air pressure balance and prevent water vapor from condensing.

Benefits of technology

Effectively prevent water vapor from condensing, protect camera components, maintain image clarity and extend service life, and is simple to modify and low-cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of cameras, in particular to an anti-fogging structure of a camera, which comprises a mounting structure and a waterproof breathable film. The mounting structure is configured to be mounted on a camera shell; an air passage for communicating the outside with the inner cavity of the camera shell is arranged in the mounting structure; the waterproof breathable film is arranged in the air channel; the camera anti-fogging structure provided by the utility model can avoid or reduce fogging of the camera, and has waterproof and antifouling effects.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of cameras, and in particular to a camera anti-fogging structure and a drone. Background Art

[0002] During camera operation, the heat generated by continuous work causes the internal temperature to rise, which in turn causes the pressure inside the camera housing to gradually exceed the atmospheric pressure of the external environment, forming a significant pressure difference. The existence of this pressure difference may not only lead to adverse consequences, such as water vapor condensing into fog on the camera lens or internal structure, but may also damage its internal components.

[0003] What is more serious is that when fog forms inside the shell, the fog will significantly reduce the clarity and quality of the camera image. For application scenarios that rely on cameras for monitoring or shooting high-definition images, this is a problem that cannot be ignored. Therefore, how to modify existing cameras to effectively avoid or reduce the problem of camera fogging has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a camera anti-fogging structure and a drone, which can avoid or reduce camera fogging and has waterproof and anti-fouling effects.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned and other related purposes, the present invention provides a camera anti-fogging structure, comprising:

[0006] A mounting structure configured to be mounted on a camera housing; an air passage communicating with the outside world and the inner cavity of the camera housing is provided in the mounting structure;

[0007] The waterproof and breathable membrane is arranged in the airway.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting structure includes:

[0009] A connecting end, used for sealingly connecting to the camera housing;

[0010] A ventilating end is arranged on the outside of the camera housing;

[0011] The vent end is provided with an air hole communicating with the air channel, the air channel is communicated with the outside through the air hole, and the direction of the air hole is different from the direction of the waterproof breathable membrane.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air channel includes a first end provided on the same side as the connecting end and a second end provided on the same side as the ventilating end.

[0013] The second end is larger than the first end, and a first step surface is formed between the first end and the second end; the waterproof breathable membrane is fixed on the first step surface.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, a blocking piece for blocking the air passage is provided at the second end, and the air hole is located between the blocking piece and the waterproof breathable membrane.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a second step structure is formed between the connecting end and the ventilating end;

[0016] The camera housing is provided with a vent hole, and the connecting end is configured to be able to penetrate into the inner cavity through the vent hole and be fastened by a nut.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting structure and the camera housing are sealed together via a sealing member.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting end is provided with a thread, and the radial cross-section of the ventilating end is polygonal.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting structure is made of polyhexamethylene adipamide material.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of air holes are provided along the circumferential direction of the mounting structure.

[0021] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose and other related purposes, the present invention provides a drone, characterized in that it includes the camera anti-fogging structure.

[0022] In summary, the present invention connects the inner cavity of the camera housing with the outside world through the air passage arranged in the mounting structure, and arranges a waterproof breathable membrane in the air passage, so that the waterproof breathable membrane can be stably mounted on the camera housing at the vent hole, thereby achieving air pressure and temperature balance between the camera housing and the outside world, and preventing water vapor from condensing into fog on the camera lens or internal structure. On the one hand, it prevents water vapor and dust from damaging the internal components of the camera, and on the other hand, it prevents fog from affecting the clarity and quality of the image taken when the camera is working, thereby ensuring the normal operation and service life of the camera. The camera anti-fogging structure of this case can realize direct modification of the existing camera housing, without replacing the camera housing. It only needs to be installed at the existing vent hole on the camera housing, or a vent hole is directly opened on the camera housing, and the camera anti-fogging structure of this case is installed to realize modification of the existing camera. It is simple, convenient, easy to operate, and low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a camera anti-fogging structure in an optional embodiment of the present utility model installed on a camera housing;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the specific connection between the camera housing and the camera anti-fogging structure in an optional embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the installation structure in an optional embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the ventilating end of the mounting structure in an optional embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a camera anti-fogging structure installed at the camera of a drone in an optional embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Component number explanation: mounting structure 1, waterproof breathable membrane 2, camera housing 100, vent 101, inner cavity 102, air duct 11, air hole 131, connecting end 12, breathable end 13, first end 111, second end 112, first step surface 113, blocking member 132, second step structure 14, nut 3, sealing member 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following describes the implementation of the present invention through specific examples. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific implementation methods. The details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that the following examples and the features in the examples can be combined with each other unless there is a conflict. It should also be understood that the terms used in the examples of the present invention are for the purpose of describing specific implementation methods, not for the purpose of limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. The test methods for which specific conditions are not specified in the following examples are generally carried out under conventional conditions or under the conditions recommended by the manufacturers.

[0031] See also Figures 1 to 5. It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in the drawings of this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification for people familiar with this technology to understand and read, and are not used to limit the limiting conditions for the implementation of this utility model. Therefore, they have no substantive technical significance. Any modification of the structure, change in the proportional relationship or adjustment of the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed by this utility model without affecting the efficacy and purpose that can be achieved by this utility model. At the same time, the terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "middle" and "one" quoted in this specification are only for the convenience of description, and are not used to limit the scope of the implementation of this utility model. Changes or adjustments in their relative relationships should also be regarded as the scope of the implementation of this utility model without substantially changing the technical content.

[0032] When numerical ranges are given in the examples, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified herein, both endpoints of each numerical range and any value between the endpoints may be used. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this utility model are consistent with the prior art as understood by those skilled in the art and the description of this utility model. Any prior art methods, equipment, and materials similar or equivalent to those described in the examples of this utility model may also be used to implement this utility model.

[0033] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 The X direction is the axial direction of the anti-fogging structure of the camera, and the Y direction is the radial direction of the anti-fogging structure of the camera.

[0034] See also Figure 1-2 , the utility model provides a camera anti-fogging structure, including a mounting structure 1 and a waterproof breathable membrane 2;

[0035] The mounting structure 1 is configured to be mounted on a camera housing 100 ; an air passage 11 is provided in the mounting structure 1 , communicating with the outside and an inner cavity 102 of the camera housing 100 ; the waterproof breathable membrane 2 is provided in the air passage 11 .

[0036] It should be noted that during the operation of the camera, the heat generated by continuous operation causes the internal temperature to rise, and the pressure inside the camera housing 100 gradually exceeds the atmospheric pressure of the external environment, forming a significant pressure difference; the existence of this pressure difference will cause water vapor to condense into fog on the camera lens or internal structure, which will not only damage the internal components of the camera, but also seriously reduce the clarity and quality of the image taken when the camera is working; if the vent 101 is opened directly on the camera housing 100, the internal components of the camera may be directly exposed to the outside world, which may easily cause water vapor and dust to enter the camera and damage the internal components of the camera, thereby affecting the service life and normal operation of the camera; for example, the camera of a drone needs to be shot outdoors for a long time, and the vent 101 on the camera housing 100 may directly allow water vapor and dust to enter and damage the electronic components inside the camera. In addition, many existing cameras have the problem of water vapor condensing into fog on the camera lens or internal structure. During the development of this case, when improving the existing camera, the waterproof breathable membrane 2 was directly attached to the vent 101 opened on the camera housing 100. However, the waterproof breathable membrane 2 could not be firmly fixed and was easy to fall off. Therefore, the method of directly installing the waterproof breathable membrane 2 on the camera housing 100 is not an ideal choice.

[0037] In this case, during the improvement process of the existing camera, first check whether the camera housing 100 has a vent hole 101. If the camera housing 100 has a vent hole 101, then the mounting structure 1 can be directly mounted on the position of the camera housing 100 with the vent hole 101. If the camera housing 100 does not have a vent hole 101, then first open a vent hole 101 on the camera housing 100, and then directly mount the mounting structure 1 on the position of the camera housing 100 with the vent hole 101. Through the air duct 1 arranged in the mounting structure 1, the air duct 101 is directly mounted on the camera housing 100. 1 connects the inner cavity 102 of the camera housing 100 with the outside world. By arranging a waterproof and breathable membrane 2 in the air duct 11, the waterproof and breathable membrane 2 can be firmly fixed to the camera housing 100 at the vent 101, achieving air pressure balance between the camera housing 100 and the outside world, and preventing water vapor from condensing into fog on the camera lens or internal structure. On the one hand, it prevents water vapor and dust from damaging the internal components of the camera, and on the other hand, it prevents fog from affecting the clarity and quality of the image captured by the camera during operation, thereby ensuring the normal operation and service life of the camera. The camera anti-fogging structure of this case can be directly modified to the existing camera housing 100. There is no need to replace the camera housing 100. The camera anti-fogging structure of this case only needs to be installed at the vent 101 on the camera housing 100, thereby realizing the modification of the existing camera. It is simple, convenient, easy to operate, and low-cost. It should be understood that the mounting structure 1 in this case can be detachably connected to the camera housing 100 or fixedly connected to the camera housing 100, such as by using a melting method or a bonding method to seal the mounting structure 1 to the camera housing 100; or the mounting structure 1 and the camera housing 100 are connected by fasteners such as screws. When the thickness of the camera housing 100 allows, the mounting structure 1 can also be directly threadedly connected to the camera housing 100. The waterproof breathable membrane 2 is made of a polymer material, for example, the main material can be polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). The waterproof breathable membrane 2 is a microporous material with high air permeability, dustproof, hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. These properties enable the waterproof breathable membrane 2 to not only block the intrusion of water and other liquids, but also allow air to pass freely, thereby balancing the internal and external air pressure and avoiding internal water vapor condensation or other pressure-related problems caused by sealing.

[0038] The camera anti-fogging structure of this case is applied to the field of drones. Compared with ordinary drone cameras currently on the market, the camera anti-fogging structure of this case has the following advantages: First, it effectively diffuses moisture, solving the problem of condensation; second, it reliably blocks water, oil, and particles from entering the camera housing 100, preventing damage to electronic components; third, air can freely enter or exit the inner cavity 102 of the camera housing 100 according to the pressure difference between the inside and outside, ensuring the balance of the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the inner cavity 102; fourth, considering the load of drones, the camera anti-fogging structure can be applied to lightweight camera housings 100, that is, it can be applied to drones with thinner camera housings 100. The camera anti-fogging structure of this case can be arranged on the outer end surface of the camera housing 100, which helps the camera housing 100 meet the requirements of use in environments with large temperature differences.

[0039] See also Figure 1-3 As an optional embodiment of this case, the mounting structure 1 includes a connecting end 12 and a venting end 13; the connecting end 12 is used to be sealed and connected to the camera housing 100; the venting end 13 is arranged on the outside of the camera housing 100;

[0040] The vent end 13 is provided with an air hole 131 communicating with the air channel 11 . The air channel 11 is connected to the outside through the air hole 131 . The direction of the air hole 131 is different from that of the waterproof breathable membrane 2 .

[0041] It should be noted that the connection end 12 of the mounting structure 1 and the camera housing 100 can have a variety of connection methods, as long as the connection strength is reliable and the connection sealing is good. Good connection sealing means that no water vapor will penetrate from the connection between the connection end 12 and the camera housing 100 into the inner cavity 102 of the camera housing 100 and the air duct 11. The air duct 11 is connected from the connection end 12 to the air permeable end 13. The mounting structure 1 in this case can be, for example, a sleeve-shaped structure with one end blocked, and the air duct 11 is arranged along the axial direction of the mounting structure 1, that is, Figure 1 In the X direction, the waterproof breathable membrane 2 is arranged in the air channel 11 between the connecting end 12 and the breathable end 13 and seals the air channel 11, and the air hole 131 is arranged on the radial surface of the breathable end 13, that is, Figure 1 Therefore, the air holes 131 are oriented in the radial direction of the mounting structure 1, and the waterproof breathable membrane 2 is oriented in the axial direction of the mounting structure 1, so that the direction of the air holes 131 is different from that of the waterproof breathable membrane 2, thereby avoiding or reducing water vapor or dust being directly blown toward the waterproof breathable membrane 2 by the wind and clogging the waterproof breathable membrane 2, thereby avoiding or reducing the failure of the waterproof breathable membrane 2.

[0042] See also Figure 1-3As an optional embodiment of the present case, the air duct 11 includes a first end 111 arranged on the same side as the connecting end 12 and a second end 112 arranged on the same side as the breathable end 13, the second end 112 is larger than the first end 111, and a first step surface 113 is formed between the first end 111 and the second end 112; the waterproof breathable membrane 2 is fixed to the first step surface 113.

[0043] It should be noted that by making one end of the air duct 11 larger and the other end smaller, and forming a first step surface 113 between the first end 111 and the second end 112 of the air duct 11, the installation, removal and replacement of the waterproof breathable membrane 2 are facilitated, and the waterproof breathable membrane 2 can be bonded and fixed to the first step surface 113.

[0044] See also Figure 1-3 As an optional embodiment of the present case, the second end 112 is provided with a blocking piece 132 for blocking the airway 11, and the air hole 131 is located between the blocking piece 132 and the waterproof breathable membrane 2, so that the end of the mounting structure 1 where the waterproof breathable membrane 2 is mounted can be easily disassembled and installed, thereby improving the convenience of installing, disassembling and replacing the waterproof breathable membrane 2 or cleaning the dirt on the surface of the waterproof breathable membrane 2; it should be understood that the blocking piece 132 can generally be a blocking cover, which can be threadedly connected to the venting end 13 of the mounting structure 1, for example, to facilitate the disassembly and installation of the blocking cover.

[0045] See also Figure 1-3 As an optional embodiment of the present invention, a second step structure 14 is formed between the connecting end 12 and the venting end 13 and is located outside the camera housing 100;

[0046] The camera housing 100 is provided with a vent hole 101 , and the connecting end 12 is configured to be able to penetrate into the inner cavity 102 through the vent hole 101 and be fastened by the nut 3 .

[0047] It should be noted that when the wall thickness of the vent hole 101 of the camera housing 100 is relatively thick and threads can be machined at the vent hole 101, the connection end 12 of the mounting structure 1 can be directly threadedly connected to the camera housing 100; when the thickness of the camera housing 100 is relatively thin and threads cannot be directly machined at the vent hole 101, the threaded connection end 12 is inserted into the vent hole 101 of the camera housing 100, and the mounting structure 1 is installed and fastened by the nut 3, thereby facilitating the installation and removal of the mounting structure 1. It should be understood that the nut 3 is arranged on the inner side of the camera housing 100, and the second step structure 14 is located on the outer side of the camera housing 100 and the size of the step structure is larger than the size of the vent hole 101. The second step structure 14 cooperates with the nut 3 to fix the mounting structure 1 to the camera housing 100.

[0048] See also Figure 1-3 As an optional embodiment of the present case, the mounting structure 1 and the camera housing 100 are sealed by a seal 4, thereby improving the sealing between the mounting structure 1 and the camera housing 100. The seal 4 is generally a sealing ring, which is sleeved on the second step structure 14 on the outside of the mounting structure 1.

[0049] See also Figure 1 、 4 As an optional embodiment of the present case, the connecting end 12 is provided with a thread, and the radial cross-section of the vent end 13 is polygonal; specifically, the connecting end 12 of the mounting structure 1 has a thread, and the radial cross-section of the mounting structure 1 is polygonal. At the same time, a second step structure 14 is formed between the connecting end 12 and the vent end 13, so that the appearance of the mounting structure 1 is similar to the shape of a bolt, thereby improving the convenience of disassembly and installation of the mounting structure 1.

[0050] As an optional embodiment of this case, the mounting structure is made of polyhexamethylene adipamide material; the polyhexamethylene adipamide material is commonly known as nylon-66, which is a thermoplastic resin made by condensation of adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. This material has high mechanical strength, hardness and rigidity, and is corrosion-resistant, acid-resistant and alkali-resistant. It adopts a matching structure of threads and sealing rings, and the sealing structure is simple, reliable and low-cost. The overall protection level can reach IP67 or above.

[0051] See also Figure 1 、 4 As an optional embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of air holes 131 are provided along the circumferential direction of the mounting structure 1, thereby increasing the ventilation flow inside and outside the camera housing 100 and balancing the pressure difference and temperature difference more efficiently.

[0052] See also Figure 2 、 5 The present invention provides a drone, comprising a camera housing 100 , wherein the vent hole 101 of the camera housing 100 is provided with the camera anti-fogging structure.

[0053] Furthermore, at least two camera anti-fogging structures are provided on the camera housing 100, thereby increasing the ventilation flow inside and outside the camera housing 100, and further increasing the efficiency of balancing the pressure difference and temperature difference. Generally, the working environment of plant protection drones is relatively harsh (sand, pesticides, dust), and two camera anti-fogging structures are used. When one camera anti-fogging structure is blocked, the other can still be used normally, which is more reliable. In addition, the camera anti-fogging structure of this case is suitable for two-stroke hybrid plant protection drones. The two-stroke engine has large vibrations and the temperature of the camera accessories is high. This structure can still meet the use requirements.

[0054] In summary, the utility model effectively overcomes some practical problems in the prior art and thus has high utilization value and use significance.

[0055] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical principles disclosed in the present invention are intended to be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. The camera anti-fogging structure is characterized by: include: A mounting structure configured to be mounted on a camera housing; An air passage connecting the outside world and the inner cavity of the camera housing is provided in the mounting structure; The waterproof and breathable membrane is arranged in the airway.

2. The camera anti-fogging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting structure includes: A connecting end, used for sealingly connecting to the camera housing; A ventilating end is arranged on the outside of the camera housing; The vent end is provided with an air hole communicating with the air channel, the air channel is communicated with the outside through the air hole, and the direction of the air hole is different from the direction of the waterproof breathable membrane.

3. The camera anti-fogging structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The airway includes a first end provided on the same side as the connecting end and a second end provided on the same side as the ventilating end. The second end is larger than the first end, and a first step surface is formed between the first end and the second end; the waterproof breathable membrane is fixed on the first step surface.

4. The camera anti-fogging structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second end is provided with a blocking piece for blocking the air passage, and the air hole is located between the blocking piece and the waterproof breathable membrane.

5. The camera anti-fogging structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second step structure is formed between the connecting end and the ventilating end; The camera housing is provided with a vent hole, and the connecting end is configured to be able to penetrate into the inner cavity through the vent hole and be fastened by a nut.

6. The camera anti-fogging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting structure and the camera housing are sealed via a sealing member.

7. The camera anti-fogging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting end is provided with a thread, and the radial cross section of the ventilating end is polygonal.

8. The camera anti-fogging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting structure is made of polyhexamethylene adipamide material.

9. The camera anti-fogging structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of air holes are provided along the circumferential direction of the mounting structure.

10. A drone, characterized in that: The invention comprises the camera anti-fogging structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.