Protective device of array camera

The mounting shell structure, which combines waterproof grooves and sealant, solves the protection problem of array cameras in complex environments, enabling normal operation and extending equipment life in humid and watery environments.

CN223796806UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-13伊春鹿鸣矿业有限公司 +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520144203.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-22
Publication Date
2026-01-13
Estimated Expiration
2035-01-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Array cameras are susceptible to physical impact and water ingress in complex environments, which can lead to equipment damage or malfunction, and existing technologies are insufficient to effectively protect them.

Method used

The mounting housing structure uses a combination of waterproof grooves and sealant to achieve effective sealing through the sealing interface. The lens and control lines are connected to the waterproof connector through specific channels, and the housing is made of aluminum alloy to enhance protection.

Benefits of technology

It effectively protects the array camera in humid and watery environments, preventing damage from impacts and malfunctions due to water ingress, and extending the service life of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure CN223796806U_ABST
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Abstract

The utility model discloses an array camera protection device, which comprises an installation shell and a plurality of cameras, the cameras are uniformly arranged along the periphery of the installation shell, the installation shell is formed by splicing and fixing two outer shells, the outer shells are of a circular ring structure, the outer peripheries of the outer shells are provided with first L-shaped folding edges, the inner peripheries of the outer shells are provided with second L-shaped folding edges, and the first L-shaped folding edges are provided with second L-shaped folding edges. The first L-shaped folded edge and the second L-shaped folded edge face the same direction, a plurality of first semicircular grooves are evenly formed in the first L-shaped folded edge in the circumferential direction, a plurality of second semicircular grooves are formed in the second L-shaped folded edge, waterproof grooves are formed in the edge of the first L-shaped folded edge and the edge of the second L-shaped folded edge, and the waterproof grooves are filled with sealant. According to the protection device, the waterproof groove and the sealant are matched to effectively seal and isolate water at the interface, the lens, the control line and the like can pass through the specific through holes and are sealed, the problem of failure caused by water entering the equipment can be effectively solved, and the mounting shell can also effectively and physically protect the camera body and the like to avoid collision and damage.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of panoramic array camera technology, and specifically to a protective device for an array camera. Background Technology

[0002] An array camera is a lens system composed of multiple small lenses arranged in a specific pattern. Array cameras can quickly acquire 360° panoramic images of any location within a tunnel, offering great speed and convenience while significantly reducing the complexity of image processing. As the application scenarios for array cameras continue to expand, the need for them to operate in complex, wet environments is also increasing. Array cameras are not only susceptible to damage from external physical impacts but may also malfunction due to internal water ingress, rendering them unable to function properly. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an array camera structure that is effectively collision-resistant and waterproof to maximize the safety and reliability of array cameras operating in complex environments.

[0003] It should be noted that the above introduction to the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solutions of this application and facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art. It should not be assumed that these technical solutions are known to those skilled in the art simply because they have been described in the background section of this application. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a protective device for an array camera. The mounting shell structure of the array camera effectively seals and prevents water from entering the interface through the cooperation of waterproof grooves and sealant. At the same time, the lens and control lines can be sealed through specific perforations, which can effectively solve the problem of water ingress into the equipment causing malfunction. In addition, the mounting shell can also provide effective physical protection for the camera body and other components to avoid collision damage.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a protective device for an array camera, including a mounting shell and a plurality of cameras. The cameras are evenly arranged along the outer periphery of the mounting shell. The mounting shell is formed by splicing and fixing two outer shells. The outer shell has a circular ring structure. A first L-shaped fold is provided on the outer periphery of the outer shell, and a second L-shaped fold is provided on the inner periphery of the outer shell. The first L-shaped fold and the second L-shaped fold face the same direction. A plurality of first semi-circular grooves are evenly formed along the circumference of the first L-shaped fold, and a plurality of second semi-circular grooves are formed on the second L-shaped fold. Waterproof grooves are formed on the edges of both the first L-shaped fold and the second L-shaped fold, and the waterproof grooves are filled with sealant.

[0006] Furthermore, after the two outer shells are spliced ​​and fixed, the corresponding first semicircular grooves on the two outer shells form a lens hole, the camera lens is snapped and fixed in the lens hole, and the camera body is installed in the mounting shell.

[0007] Furthermore, the two corresponding second semicircular grooves on the two outer shells form a wire hole, through which the camera's control wire is electrically connected to the controller.

[0008] Furthermore, a waterproof connector is installed inside the wire hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the outer shell is also provided with reinforcing ribs, which are uniformly arranged along the radial direction of the outer shell.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer casing is made of aluminum alloy.

[0011] The above-mentioned solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0012] The protective device for the array camera provided by this utility model effectively seals and prevents water from entering the interface through the combination of waterproof grooves and sealant in the mounting shell structure of the array camera. At the same time, the mounting shell is designed with lens holes and cable holes for securing the lens and ensuring safe wiring connections, respectively. Combined with the sealing structure, it can prevent dust and moisture from entering, thereby improving the overall protection performance of the equipment and effectively solving the problem of malfunction caused by water ingress into the equipment. At the same time, the mounting shell can also provide effective physical protection for the camera body and other components, avoiding collision damage, thus improving the overall protection performance of the equipment, ensuring the normal operation of the array camera in humid and watery environments, and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0013] Other beneficial effects of this invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the casing of this utility model.

[0016] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0017] 1-Outer shell; 11-First L-shaped fold; 12-Second L-shaped fold; 13-First semi-circular groove; 14-Second semi-circular groove; 15-Waterproof groove; 16-Reinforcing rib; 2-Lens hole; 3-Lens. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. The various specific technical features and embodiments described in the specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different combinations of specific technical features / embodiments can form different implementation methods. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the various specific technical features / embodiments in this utility model will not be described separately.

[0019] It should be noted that the terms "set" and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to direct setting, installation, or connection, or indirect setting or connection through central components or structural parts. Furthermore, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" in this utility model are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings or the conventional placement or usage state. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred structural parts, features, devices, or elements must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0020] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this utility model provides a protective device for an array camera, including a mounting shell and several camera mounting shells arranged in a circular ring. The cameras are evenly arranged along the outer periphery of the mounting shells to form a ring-type array camera. The mounting shell is formed by splicing and fixing two outer shells 1. The outer shell 1 has a circular structure, with a first L-shaped folded edge 11 on its outer periphery and a second L-shaped folded edge 12 on its inner periphery. The first folded edge 11 and the second folded edge 12 face the same direction. Several first semi-circular grooves 13 are evenly formed along the circumference of the first L-shaped folded edge 11, and the number of first semi-circular grooves 13 is consistent with the number of cameras. Several second semi-circular grooves 14 are formed on the second L-shaped folded edge 12. The number of first semi-circular grooves 14 corresponds to the number of control lines required by the camera. Generally, one camera corresponds to two control lines (or power lines). Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of first semi-circular grooves 14 is twice the number of cameras. In other embodiments, the number of second semi-circular grooves 12 can be selected according to actual needs. Waterproof grooves 15 are provided on the edges of the first L-shaped fold 11 and the second L-shaped fold 12. Waterproof grooves 15 are also provided on the inner periphery edges of the first semicircular groove 13 or the second semicircular groove 14. The waterproof grooves 15 are filled with sealant.

[0021] Furthermore, when the two outer shells 1 are joined, the first L-shaped fold 11 and the second L-shaped fold 12 of the two outer shells 1 respectively cover each other to form a mounting shell. The camera body is installed in the cavity inside the mounting shell. The corresponding first semi-circular grooves 13 on the two outer shells 1 form a lens hole 2. The camera lens 3 is snapped and fixed in the lens hole 2. The lens hole 2 is evenly arranged along the outer periphery of the outer shell 1, that is, the lens 3 is evenly arranged along the circumference of the mounting shell 1, which can realize 360° panoramic shooting. At the same time, the corresponding second semi-circular grooves 14 on the two outer shells 1 form a wire hole. The camera's control wire is electrically connected to the controller through the wire hole to control the camera, etc. Before assembling the two outer shells 1, the waterproof grooves 15 of each outer shell 1 are filled with sealant, which can protrude slightly upwards from the edge of the waterproof groove. The camera body is then fixed inside one of the outer shells, with the camera lens 3 snapped into the first semi-circular groove 13 and the camera control lines snapped into the second semi-circular groove 14. The other outer shell 1 is then placed on top of this first outer shell 1. The outer and inner circumferences of the outer shell 1 are sealed by the first L-shaped flange 11 and the second L-shaped flange 12, respectively. The lens 3 and control lines are respectively snapped and sealed with the lens hole 2 and the wire hole. This achieves a well-sealed mounting shell composed of two outer shells 1, effectively preventing physical impacts to the camera body and ensuring the array camera can operate normally in humid or wet environments. It also prevents moisture from affecting the camera body, improving the overall protection of the equipment and ensuring normal operation of the array camera in humid and wet environments, thus extending the equipment's lifespan. To further improve the sealing performance of the mounting shell, a waterproof connector can be installed inside the wire hole. The camera's control lines pass through the waterproof connector, which further enhances the sealing effect and stability of the control lines.

[0022] In this embodiment, the outer shell 1 is made of aluminum alloy, which can reduce the weight of the outer shell while ensuring physical protection performance, and is not easily rusted or damaged when used in a wet environment. The outer shell 1 is also provided with reinforcing ribs 16, which are uniformly arranged along the radial direction of the outer shell, which can further improve the strength of the outer shell 1 and improve the physical impact resistance.

[0023] The above description is the preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A protection device for an array camera comprising a mounting case and a plurality of cameras, the cameras being arranged uniformly along the outer periphery of the mounting case, characterized in that, The mounting shell is formed by splicing and fixing two shells (1), the shell (1) is a circular ring structure, a first L-shaped folding edge (11) is arranged on the outer periphery of the shell (1), a second L-shaped folding edge (12) is arranged on the inner periphery of the shell (1), the first L-shaped folding edge (11) and the second L-shaped folding edge (12) are in the same direction, a plurality of first semicircular grooves (13) are uniformly arranged on the first L-shaped folding edge (11) in the circumferential direction, a plurality of second semicircular grooves (14) are arranged on the second L-shaped folding edge (12), a waterproof groove (15) is arranged on the edge of the first L-shaped folding edge (11) and the second L-shaped folding edge (12), and the waterproof groove (15) is filled with sealing glue.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, After the two shells (1) are spliced and fixed, the corresponding first semicircular grooves (13) on the two shells (1) form a lens hole (2), the lens (3) of the camera is clamped and fixed in the lens hole (2), and the body of the camera is mounted in the mounting shell.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The corresponding second semicircular grooves (14) on the two shells (1) form a wire hole, and the control wire of the camera is electrically connected with the controller through the wire hole.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, A waterproof joint is mounted in the wire hole.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The shell (1) is further provided with a reinforcing rib (16), and the reinforcing rib (16) is uniformly arranged along the radial direction of the shell (1).

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The shell (1) is made of aluminum alloy material.