Camera assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a camera assembly. The camera assembly comprises a support, a camera and a waterproof piece. The support comprises a flange plate, and the flange plate comprises a flange plate bottom face and a flange plate top face in the thickness direction. And the flange plate is assembled with the top of the camera through a plurality of mounting structures. The bottom surface of the flange fits the top of the camera. The mounting structures are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the flange plate and comprise connecting holes. The connecting holes penetrate through the flange plate in the bottom face of the flange plate and the direction of the bottom face of the flange plate, and the connecting holes are kidney-shaped holes around the circumferential direction of the flange plate. The waterproof piece is assembled on the flange plate and covers the connecting holes of the multiple installation structures in a sealed mode. Based on the arrangement, the bracket is uniformly stressed, the bracket and the camera are stably and reliably fixed, the mounting reliability of the camera in a harsh vibration environment can be improved, the camera is not easy to loosen or fall off, water can be prevented from being accumulated at a connecting position between the bracket and the camera, and the reliability is high as no water is accumulated at the connecting position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of waterproof technology, and in particular to a camera assembly. Background Art

[0002] A camera (such as a dome camera) is mounted on a building or other structure using a bracket. One way to assemble the bracket and camera is to have a shaft extending from the top of the camera with a groove. The bracket's hole fits into the shaft structure on the top cover. Rivets and screws on the bracket hold the top of the groove in place to prevent the dome camera from falling out. The side screws are then tightened to secure the dome camera to the bracket.

[0003] This installation method is relatively simple and widely used. However, the stress points of this installation method are concentrated on the screws and rivets of the bracket and the groove features of the shaft. In severe vibration environments, these stress-bearing parts are prone to loosening or wear, causing the camera (such as a dome camera) to loosen or fall.

[0004] In addition, when the camera is installed in an external environment, it is also necessary to consider the impact of accumulated water on the components at the connection point to prevent the risk of water accumulation, because long-term water accumulation will lead to poor reliability of the connection position between the bracket and the camera. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to disclose a camera assembly.

[0006] The present application discloses a camera assembly. The camera assembly includes a bracket, a camera, and a waterproof component. The bracket includes a flange, and the flange includes a flange bottom surface and a flange top surface; the flange is assembled with the top through multiple mounting structures, and the flange bottom surface fits the top of the camera; the multiple mounting structures are spaced around the circumference of the flange, and include connecting holes, which pass through the flange along the direction of the flange bottom surface and the flange bottom surface, and the connecting holes are waist-shaped holes around the circumference of the flange; the waterproof component is assembled to the flange, sealingly covering the connecting holes of the multiple mounting structures.

[0007] In some embodiments, a plurality of drainage channels are provided between the top of the camera and the flange, each of which connects one of the connection holes to the outside of the camera assembly. Alternatively, a plurality of drainage channels are provided on the top of the camera, each of which connects one of the connection holes to the outside of the camera assembly. Alternatively, a plurality of drainage channels are provided on the flange, each of which connects one of the connection holes to the outside of the camera assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, a drainage groove is provided on the bottom surface of the flange along the radial direction of the flange, and the drainage groove has an opening; the top of the camera covers the opening to realize the setting of the drainage channel between the top of the camera and the flange.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the mounting structures includes a screw hole and a fastening screw provided on the top of the camera; the fastening screw passes through the waterproof component in a sealed manner and then passes through the connecting hole to be connected to the screw hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of connection holes are evenly spaced along the circumference of the flange, the screw holes are evenly spaced along the top of the camera, and the number of the screw holes is greater than the number of the connection holes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the flange includes a flange side surface connected to the flange top surface, and the waterproof component includes two annular components, which are connected to each other and tightly embrace the flange side surface and fit the flange top surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, a limiting mechanism is provided between the waterproof component and the flange, and the limiting mechanism includes a limiting column provided on one of the flange and the waterproof component, and a limiting hole provided on the other, the limiting hole is a waist-shaped hole circumferentially around the flange, the limiting column is inserted into the limiting hole, and the length of the limiting hole is equal to the length of the connecting hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, the limiting column extends from the side surface of the flange along the radial direction of the flange; and the limiting hole is provided on the side of the waterproof component.

[0014] In some embodiments, the waterproof component includes a soft pad and a hard waterproof component body; the soft pad is filled between the top surface of the flange and the waterproof component body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the camera includes a mounting shaft extending from the top portion, the mounting shaft including an anti-drop groove and an escape groove, the anti-drop groove circumscribing the mounting shaft; the escape groove vertically connects to the anti-drop groove. The bracket includes a connecting pipe, the flange being connected to or integrally formed with the connecting pipe; an anti-drop screw is connected to the sidewall of the connecting pipe; the mounting shaft passes through the flange and then into the connecting pipe; the anti-drop screw enters the anti-drop groove from the escape groove.

[0016] With respect to the camera assembly, since the bracket includes a flange, the flange is assembled with the top via a plurality of mounting structures, and the plurality of mounting structures are spaced apart circumferentially around the flange. Thus, the bracket is evenly stressed, and the bracket and the camera are fixed stably and reliably, which can improve the reliability of camera installation in harsh vibration environments (for example, stress-bearing parts are less likely to become loose or worn), and the camera (such as a dome camera) is less likely to become loose or fall. Furthermore, by assembling the waterproof component with the top surface of the flange, the connection holes of the plurality of mounting structures are sealed, and the bottom surface of the flange is attached to the top of the camera. This prevents water from accumulating at the connection location between the bracket and the camera (at the mounting structure and related components). The absence of water accumulation at the connection location results in high reliability. For example, the absence of water accumulation will not cause electrochemical corrosion at the connection location, nor will it affect the overall strength. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the first camera assembly in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the present application, illustrating that the waterproof member is rotated to the middle position of the limiting hole;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the camera assembly is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of part B;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A further exploded view of the camera assembly is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of part C;

[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a bracket according to an embodiment of the present application, illustrating that the waterproof member is in an initial position;

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of part D in the middle;

[0025] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a bracket according to an embodiment of the present application, illustrating that the waterproof member is rotated to a maximum position;

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of part E in the middle;

[0027] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a camera and a bracket after assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Enlarged view of part F;

[0029] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a waterproof member according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Exploded view of the flashing shown;

[0031] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a second camera assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. The difference from the first camera assembly is that the structure of the bracket is different. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0033] If there are terms related to directional indications or positional relationships in the embodiments of this application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement, etc. between the components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if the specific posture changes, the directional indication or positional relationship will also change accordingly. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application are only used for the purpose of convenience of description and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] In the related art, the bracket includes a flange with a through-hole. The hole is a waist-shaped hole circumferentially extending around the flange. A fastening screw passes through the hole and connects to a screw hole on the top of the camera. During use, because the waist-shaped hole is long and exposed, rainwater and other substances can accumulate inside. Prolonged accumulation of water can cause electrochemical corrosion of the fastening screw and bracket, compromising overall strength.

[0035] Based on the problems existing in related technologies, see Figures 1 to 6 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 15 The present application discloses a camera assembly, which includes a bracket 1, a camera 2 and a waterproof component 3. Figure 15The camera assembly shown is Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 The only difference between the camera assembly shown is the structure of the bracket 1. The structure of the bracket 1 is not limited, and one function is to assemble the camera 2 so that the camera 2 can be at a preset height from the ground, for example, Figures 1 to 6 and Figure 11 In the embodiment, the bracket 1 is roughly L-shaped; and Figure 15 In the figure, bracket 1 is generally linear. Regardless of its structure, bracket 1 includes a flange 11. Flange 11 comprises a flange bottom surface and a flange top surface 111 in the thickness direction. Although the flange bottom surface is not marked in the figure, the structure of the flange bottom surface will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the assembly relationship between the flange bottom surface and the top of camera 2 described later and the illustrated flange top surface 111.

[0036] See also Figures 1 to 6 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 The flange 11 is assembled with the top 21 of the camera 2 through a plurality of mounting structures 4. Figure 5 and Figure 1 It can be seen that there are four mounting structures 4, but the number of mounting structures 4 is not limited to this. After the bracket 1 and the camera 2 are assembled, the bottom surface of the flange is in contact with the top 21 of the camera 2. The said contact mainly refers to surface contact, and there may be an assembly gap between the two. The structure of the top 21 is not limited. In the embodiment of the present application, the top 21 is a top cover. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 Combined with Figures 1 to 4 The plurality of mounting structures 4 are spaced apart around the circumference of the flange 11. Each mounting structure 4 includes a connection hole 41, a screw hole 42, and a fastening screw 43. The connection hole 41 passes through the flange 11 in the direction from the bottom surface of the flange to the top surface 111 of the flange (the thickness direction of the Farah 11), and the connection hole 41 is a waist-shaped hole around the circumference of the flange 11. The screw hole 42 is provided on the top 21. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 After the fastening screw 43 passes through the connecting hole 41, it is connected to the screw hole 43, so that the bracket 1 and the camera 2 can be assembled together.

[0037] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figures 7 to 12 and Figure 15The waterproof member 3 is assembled to the flange 11 to seal the connection holes 41 of the plurality of mounting structures 4. The assembly method is not limited to the embodiment described in this application, as long as at least the connection holes 41 can be sealed.

[0038] As described above, since the bracket 1 includes a flange 11, the flange 11 is assembled with the top 21 via a plurality of mounting structures 4, and the plurality of mounting structures 4 are spaced apart circumferentially around the flange 11. Thus, the bracket 1 is evenly stressed, and the bracket 1 and the camera 2 are fixed stably and reliably, which can improve the reliability of the camera 2 installation in harsh vibration environments (for example, the stressed parts are less likely to become loose or worn), and the camera 2 (for example, a dome camera) is less likely to become loose or fall. Furthermore, by assembling the waterproof member 3 with the flange top surface 111 of the flange 11, the connection holes 41 of the plurality of mounting structures are sealed, and the bottom surface of the flange is attached to the top of the camera. This prevents water from accumulating at the connection location between the bracket 1 and the camera 2 (at the mounting structure 4 and related components). The absence of water accumulation at the connection location results in high reliability. For example, the absence of water accumulation will not cause electrochemical corrosion at the connection location, nor will it affect the overall strength.

[0039] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 12 and Figure 15 , a plurality of drainage channels 112 are provided between the top 21 of the camera 2 and the flange 11, and each drainage channel 112 connects one of the connection holes 41 and the outside of the camera assembly. Based on the inspiration obtained from the function of the drainage channels 112 described later, in one embodiment, a plurality of drainage channels 112 may be provided only on the top 21. Each drainage channel 112 connects one of the connection holes 41 and the outside of the camera assembly; or, in another embodiment, the flange 11 is provided with a plurality of drainage channels 112, and each of the drainage channels 112 connects one of the connection holes 41 and the outside of the camera assembly.

[0040] As described above, no matter how the drainage channel 112 is set, because the drainage channel 112 connects the connecting hole 41 and the outside of the camera assembly, even if water enters the connecting hole 41 (waist-shaped hole), the water will flow from the drainage channel 112 into the outside of the camera assembly and be discharged, further avoiding water accumulation, preventing the flange 11 and / or relevant parts of the top 21 of the bracket 1 from being corroded, and ensuring the strength of the relevant parts of the flange 11 and the top 21.

[0041] See also Figures 3 to 10 In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the flange is provided with a drain groove 1121 along the radial direction of the flange 11, and the drain groove 1121 has an opening; Figure 1 and Figure 2 The top 21 of the camera covers the opening so that the drainage channel 122 is set between the top 21 of the camera and the flange 11.

[0042] As described above, the structure of the drainage channel 112 is simple, and because the bottom surface of the flange is exposed to the outside, it is also easy to process the drainage channel 112. Because the drainage groove 1121 is along the radial direction of the flange 11, the drainage channel 112 is also along the radial direction of the flange 11. In this way, the drainage path is also short, and water can flow to the outside of the camera assembly more easily.

[0043] See also Figure 5 、 Figure 12 and 11 Each of the mounting structures 4 includes a screw hole 42 and a fastening screw 43 provided on the top of the camera. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 12 Combined with Figures 3 to 11 as well as Figure 13 The fastening screw 43 passes through the waterproof member 3 (the waterproof member through hole 310 on the waterproof member 3) in a sealed manner, and then passes through the connecting hole 41 to connect with the screw hole 42. Figures 3 to 6 The multiple connection holes 41 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the flange 11 , and the screw holes 42 are evenly spaced along the top 21 of the camera 2 , and the number of the screw holes 42 is greater than the number of the connection holes 41 .

[0044] As set up above, the number of the screw holes 42 is greater than the number of the connecting holes 41, and the connecting holes 41 are waist-shaped holes. In this way, the connecting holes 41 (waist-shaped holes), different screw holes 42 and fastening screws 43 cooperate to achieve a wide range of adjustable installation angles of the bracket 1 and the camera 2, and the camera 2 and the bracket 1 can be fixed at different angles.

[0045] See also Figure 6 The flange 11 includes a flange side surface 113 connected to the flange top surface 111, see Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figures 7 to 10 The waterproof member 3 includes two annular members 31. The arc lengths of the two annular members 31 shown in the figure are equal, that is, semicircular. In other embodiments, the arc length of one can be longer and the arc length of the other can be shorter. However, in any case, as long as the shape after docking is the same as the shape of the flange 11, the two annular members 31 are docked, see Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 10, docking is achieved through docking screws 311 and docking holes 312. After docking, the waterproof member 3 (i.e., the two annular members 31) embraces the flange side 113 and fits against the flange top 111. Of course, the entire flange side 113 can be embraced, or as shown in the figure, only the upper portion of the flange side 113 can be embraced. In short, the scope of the embrace is not limited.

[0046] As described above, the waterproof component 3 is formed by docking two annular components 31, which facilitates the assembly of the waterproof component 3 on the flange 11. Moreover, after docking, the waterproof component 3 (that is, the two annular components 31) hugs the side surface 113 of the flange and fits the top surface 111 of the flange, and has good sealing performance to prevent water from entering.

[0047] See also Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 10 Combined with Figure 13 and Figure 14 A limiting mechanism 5 is provided between the waterproof member 3 and the flange 11. The limiting mechanism 5 includes a limiting column 114 provided on the flange 11 and a limiting hole 314 provided on the waterproof member 3. The limiting hole 314 is a waist-shaped hole around the circumference of the flange 11. The limiting column 114 is inserted into the limiting hole 314. The length of the limiting hole 314 is equal to the length of the connecting hole 41. Figure 2 、 Figure 8 and Figure 10 It can be seen that the limiting posts 114 are located at different positions within the limiting holes 314. Based on the function of the limiting mechanism 5, it is not limited to the above embodiment and the embodiment described later. As long as the limiting posts 114 of one of the flange 11 and the waterproof member 3 and the limiting holes 314 provided in the other one can achieve the limiting function to prevent the waterproof member 3 from falling out of the bracket 1, it is sufficient.

[0048] As described above, by setting a limiting mechanism 5, after the two annular parts 31 are docked and installed on the flange 11, the limiting column 114 will be stuck in the limiting hole 314, so that the waterproof part 3 will not fall out of the bracket 1, and the waterproof part 3 can be rotated within the range of the limiting hole 314, which ultimately makes it easy to fix the camera 2 and the bracket 1 at different angles and positions and ensure waterproofing.

[0049] See also Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 10 The limiting column 114 extends from the flange side surface 113 of the flange 11 along the radial direction of the flange 11. Figure 13 and Figure 14The limiting hole 314 is set on the side of the waterproof component 3.

[0050] As described above, since the limiting column 114 extends from the flange side 113 and the limiting hole 314 is set on the side of the waterproof part 3, after the limiting column 114 is inserted into the limiting hole 314, the two annular parts 31 are connected. In this way, the waterproof part 3 will not fall off the flange 11 of the bracket 1 in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and it can more conveniently prevent the waterproof part 3 from falling off the bracket 1.

[0051] See also Figure 13 and Figure 14 , the waterproof part 3 includes a soft pad 32 and a hard waterproof part main body 33. In an embodiment of the present application, each annular part 31 includes a soft pad 32 and the waterproof part main body 33. The material of the soft pad is, for example, silicone, rubber, EVA, CR, etc. The material of the waterproof part main body 33 can be aluminum alloy or plastic with good strength. The soft pad 32 is contoured to the internal features of the waterproof part main body 33 and can be fixed to the waterproof part main body 33 by glue or adhesive. The soft pad 32 is filled between the top surface 111 of the flange and the waterproof part main body 33.

[0052] As described above, the soft pad 32 is filled between the flange top surface 111 and the waterproof component body 33. The soft pad 32 is soft and can make corresponding deformation according to the gap between the waterproof component body 33 and the flange top surface 111. Therefore, the waterproof component 3 has better sealing performance and can better prevent water from entering.

[0053] See also Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the camera includes a mounting shaft 22 extending from the top 21, and the mounting shaft 22 includes an anti-drop groove 221 and an avoidance groove 222. The anti-drop groove 221 surrounds the mounting shaft 22; the avoidance groove 222 is connected to the anti-drop groove 221 in the vertical direction. The bracket 1 includes a connecting pipe 12. The flange 11 is connected to the connecting pipe 12 or is integrally formed. The side wall of the connecting pipe 12 is connected to an anti-drop screw 13. The mounting shaft 22 passes through the flange 11 and then enters the connecting pipe 12; the anti-drop screw 13 enters the anti-drop groove 221 from the avoidance groove 222.

[0054] As described above, since the mounting shaft 22 passes through the flange 11 and then into the connecting tube 12, and the anti-drop screw 13 enters the anti-drop groove 221 from the avoidance groove 222, once installed, the camera 2 can rotate relative to the bracket 1 about the axial direction of the connecting tube 12, thereby pre-hanging the camera 2 on the bracket 1 and preventing it from falling. This pre-hanging and anti-dropping feature also facilitates connection between the flange 11 and the camera 2 via the mounting structure 4.

[0055] It should be noted that the technical solutions or technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of this application shall be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A camera assembly, characterized in that: The camera assembly includes a bracket, a camera and a waterproof component, wherein: The bracket includes a flange, which includes a flange bottom surface and a flange top surface in a thickness direction; the flange is assembled with the top of the camera via a plurality of mounting structures, with the flange bottom surface in contact with the top of the camera; the plurality of mounting structures are spaced apart around the circumference of the flange and include connection holes; the connection holes penetrate the flange along the direction between the flange bottom surface and the flange top surface, and are waist-shaped holes around the circumference of the flange; The waterproof component is assembled on the flange to seal and cover the connection holes of the plurality of mounting structures.

2. The camera assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of drainage channels are provided between the top of the camera and the flange, each of the drainage channels being connected to one of the connection holes and the outside of the camera assembly; Alternatively, a plurality of drainage channels are provided on the top of the camera, and each drainage channel is connected to one of the connection holes and the outside of the camera assembly; Alternatively, the flange is provided with a plurality of drainage channels, each of which is connected to one of the connection holes and the outside of the camera assembly.

3. The camera assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The bottom surface of the flange is provided with a drainage groove along the radial direction of the flange, and the drainage groove has an opening; the top of the camera covers the opening to realize the setting of the drainage channel between the top of the camera and the flange.

4. The camera assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the mounting structures includes a screw hole and a fastening screw provided on the top of the camera; The fastening screw passes through the waterproof component in a sealed manner and then passes through the connecting hole to be connected with the screw hole.

5. The camera assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of connection holes are evenly spaced along the circumference of the flange, the screw holes are evenly spaced along the top of the camera, and the number of the screw holes is greater than the number of the connection holes.

6. The camera assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The flange includes a flange side surface connected to the flange top surface, and the waterproof component includes two annular components. The two annular components are butt-jointed and tightly embrace the flange side surface and fit the flange top surface.

7. The camera assembly according to claim 6, wherein: A limiting mechanism is provided between the waterproof component and the flange, and the limiting mechanism includes a limiting column provided on one of the flange and the waterproof component, and a limiting hole provided on the other. The limiting hole is a waist-shaped hole around the circumference of the flange, and the limiting column is inserted into the limiting hole. The length of the limiting hole is equal to the length of the connecting hole.

8. The camera assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The limiting column extends from the side surface of the flange along the radial direction of the flange; and the limiting hole is arranged on the side of the waterproof component.

9. The camera assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The waterproof component includes a soft pad and a hard waterproof component body; the soft pad is filled between the top surface of the flange and the waterproof component body.

10. The camera assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The camera includes a mounting shaft extending from the top, the mounting shaft includes an anti-drop groove and an avoidance groove, the anti-drop groove surrounds the mounting shaft; the avoidance groove is connected to the anti-drop groove in the vertical direction; The bracket includes a connecting pipe, the flange is connected to the connecting pipe or is integrally formed; the side wall of the connecting pipe is connected with an anti-drop screw; the mounting shaft passes through the flange and then into the connecting pipe; the anti-drop screw enters the anti-drop groove from the avoidance groove.

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