3D camera lens and / or laser protection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D cameras, and particularly discloses a 3D camera lens and / or laser protection device which comprises a driving mechanism and a cover plate, the driving mechanism is integrally located in a shell of a 3D camera, the cover plate is located outside the shell, the cover plate is connected to the driving mechanism, and the cover plate moves under the action of the driving mechanism to achieve automatic opening and closing. The driving mechanism in the protection device is arranged in the 3D camera shell, and when the 3D camera is not used or does not need to be used, the cover plate is attached to the bottom of the 3D camera, so that the protection device is generally located in the 3D camera shell and does not protrude, and the whole 3D camera is very attractive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D camera technology, and more specifically to a 3D camera lens and / or laser protection device. Background Technology

[0002] 3D cameras are commonly used as machine vision devices in industrial robotics, including industries with harsh working environments such as welding, grinding, and spraying. For example, welding easily generates spatter and fumes. To prevent damage or contamination of the 3D camera's lens and / or laser and its corresponding filters, thus affecting the quality of 3D imaging, a protective device is typically added to the 3D camera's housing. When the 3D camera is not in use, this protective device is closed to protect the lens and / or laser and its corresponding filters from damage or contamination. When the 3D camera is needed, the protective device automatically opens to allow the 3D camera to function normally. For example, document CN216622935U discloses "a swing-opening anti-splash protection device for a 3D camera," but all the structures of this protective device A are located on the outside of the 3D camera's housing, appearing as a protrusion (see appendix). Figure 14 (A) in this case has an aesthetically unappealing problem. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the purpose of this application is to provide a 3D camera lens and / or laser protection device to solve the above problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: a 3D camera lens and / or laser protection device, including a drive mechanism and a cover plate, wherein the drive mechanism is located inside the housing of the 3D camera, the cover plate is located outside the housing, the cover plate is connected to the drive mechanism, and the cover plate moves under the action of the drive mechanism.

[0005] Optionally, the 3D camera acquires image information through the bottom of the housing. When the 3D camera is not used or is not needed, the cover plate is attached to the bottom of the housing. When the 3D camera needs to be used, the drive mechanism drives the cover plate to move away from the bottom of the housing.

[0006] Optionally, the driving mechanism includes a driving element and a linkage assembly, wherein the cover plate or a first cover plate is fixedly connected to one end of the first linkage in the linkage assembly, and the output end of the driving element is fixedly connected to one end of the second linkage in the linkage assembly.

[0007] Optionally, the linkage assembly further includes a third linkage, wherein one end of the second linkage is rotatably connected to one end of the third linkage, and the other end of the third linkage is rotatably connected to the other end of the first linkage.

[0008] Optionally, the bottom of the housing is provided with a first through hole, and one end of the first connecting rod passes through the first through hole and is fixedly connected to the cover plate or the first cover plate in the cover plate.

[0009] Beneficial effects: This application places the drive mechanism of the protective device inside the 3D camera housing. When the 3D camera is not in use or is not needed, the cover plate adheres to the bottom of the 3D camera. Thus, the protective device is substantially located inside the 3D camera housing, unlike existing 3D cameras (see [reference]). Figure 14 Compared to other cameras, it doesn't protrude, making the 3D camera look very aesthetically pleasing overall (see...). Figures 6 to 8 , Figures 12 to 13 ). Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a 3D camera with the cover open, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a protective device in the open state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a 3D camera with the cover closed, according to an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a protective device in the closed state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the internal structure of a 3D camera provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a 3D camera in a closed state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a 3D camera with the cover plate open, according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a 3D camera with the cover closed, provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a 3D camera with the cover open, provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 11 This is a partial structural diagram of the interior of a 3D camera with the cover open, provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a 3D camera in a closed state, according to another embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a 3D camera with the cover plate open, provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 14 This is a structural schematic diagram of a swing-opening anti-splash protection device for a three-dimensional camera, as described in document CN216622935U. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, this application provides a 3D camera lens and / or laser protection device to solve the problem, which will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] See Figure 1 , Figure 9In addition to the protective device provided in this application, the 3D camera 100 also includes a housing 10, a camera 20 (also called a lens), and a laser 30 or a laser galvanometer system. The laser galvanometer system includes a laser and a galvanometer, and line laser scanning is completed by rotating the galvanometer. In Embodiment 1, a monocular camera is used (with only one lens, employing a line laser scanning 3D imaging method, in which case the camera needs to be moved). In Embodiment 2, a binocular camera is used (with two lenses, and the laser or laser galvanometer system is located between the two lenses; if a laser galvanometer scanning 3D imaging method is used, only the galvanometer needs to be rotated, without moving the camera). The camera 20, laser 30, or laser galvanometer system are all installed inside the housing 10. Several filters are installed at the bottom of the housing 10 to protect the optical components such as the lens, laser, or laser galvanometer system. Specifically, the bottom of the housing 10 is provided with a first filter 21 and a second filter 31. The camera 20 takes pictures and / or captures images of the target object through the corresponding first filter 21, and the laser 30 or laser galvanometer system emits laser light onto the target object through the corresponding second filter 31. If it is a binocular camera, then there are two first filters 21. Therefore, the 3D camera 100 completes the acquisition of three-dimensional image information through the bottom of the housing 10. So when the bottom of the housing 10 is damaged or contaminated, the 3D camera 100 may not be able to work properly, and may even further damage optical components such as the lens, laser, or laser galvanometer system. Therefore, the part of the 3D camera 10 that needs to be protected is the bottom of its housing 10.

[0027] See Figures 1 to 13 The protective device provided in this application includes a drive mechanism 40 and a cover plate 50. The drive mechanism 40 is located entirely inside the housing 10 of the 3D camera 100, and the cover plate 50 is located on the outer side of the bottom of the housing 10. The cover plate 50 is connected to the drive mechanism 40, and the cover plate 50 rotates under the action of the drive mechanism 40 to achieve automatic opening and closing. Specifically:

[0028] When the 3D camera 100 is not in use or is not needed, the cover plate 50 is attached to the outside of the bottom of the housing 10. At this time, the cover plate 50 is in the closed state, which protects the bottom of the housing 10 and further protects the optical components of the 3D camera 100.

[0029] When the 3D camera 100 is needed to take pictures and / or scan, the drive mechanism 40 drives the cover plate 50 to rotate, so that the cover plate 50 is away from the bottom of the housing 10. At this time, the cover plate 50 is in the open state, so that the lens, laser or laser galvanometer system will not be blocked, allowing the 3D camera 100 to complete the acquisition of three-dimensional image information normally.

[0030] After the 3D camera 100 is finished using, the drive mechanism 40 drives the cover plate 50 to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the cover plate 50 returns to the closed state. For example, in welding operations, when welding is required after the three-dimensional image information is acquired, the drive mechanism 40 will automatically drive the cover plate 50 to rotate back. At this time, the cover plate 50 is once again attached to the outer side of the bottom of the housing 10. This can prevent foreign objects such as spatter, smoke, and dust during welding from contaminating the filter, or even damaging the optical components such as the lens, laser, or laser galvanometer system of the 3D camera 100, affecting the quality of three-dimensional imaging, or even causing the 3D camera 100 to malfunction.

[0031] In this application, except for the cover plate 50 which needs to protect the bottom of the camera from contamination or damage on the outside of the camera housing 10, all other components are located inside the camera housing 10. When the 3D camera 100 is not in use or is not needed, the cover plate 50 also adheres to the bottom of the 3D camera 100 housing 10, such as... Figures 6 to 8 , Figures 12 to 13 As shown, the 3D camera 100 looks very beautiful overall, without any protrusions, and it also makes full use of the space inside the camera housing 10, without taking up too much extra space as in the prior art. This makes the structure of the 3D camera 100 more compact, small, and neat, and saves more space.

[0032] Furthermore, when the bottom of the outer casing 10 is flat, the cover plate 50 is a single piece, which can be simply described as: the cover plate 50 is a large, solid plate; when the bottom of the outer casing 10 is not flat, the cover plate 50 includes a first cover plate 51 and a second cover plate 52. Therefore, the shape and number of cover plates can vary depending on the bottom of the camera casing. Specifically, in Embodiment 2, since it is a binocular camera, according to the binocular 3D imaging principle, the bottom of its outer shell 10 is flat. Therefore, a cover plate (a large plate) can effectively shield and adhere to the bottom of the outer shell 10. In Embodiment 1, since it is a monocular laser camera, according to its 3D imaging principle, there is a certain angle between the camera lens and the laser. Therefore, the bottom of its outer shell 10 is not flat but curved. In this case, it is not possible to use a large plate to adhere to the bottom of the outer shell 10. Therefore, a first cover plate 51 is attached to the first filter 21, and a second cover plate 52 is attached to the second filter 31. The automatic opening and closing of these two cover plates achieves better protection for the bottom of the camera outer shell 10. Of course, in other embodiments, only one cover plate, such as the first cover plate 51 or the second cover plate 52, can be provided depending on the specific circumstances of the component to be protected.

[0033] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 40 includes a drive element 41 and a linkage assembly 42. The drive element 41 is preferably a motor (e.g., a servo motor), a cylinder, etc., and a motor is used as an example below. The linkage assembly 42 includes a first linkage 421, a second linkage 422, and a third linkage 423.

[0034] In Example 1 (monocular camera):

[0035] See Figures 1 to 4 The cover plate 50 includes a first cover plate 51 and a second cover plate 52. The first cover plate 51 is used to protect the lens of the monocular camera and its corresponding filter, and the second cover plate 52 is used to protect the laser of the monocular camera and its corresponding filter. Correspondingly, the linkage assembly 42 also includes a fourth linkage 424 and a fifth linkage 425. A first through hole 101 is provided at the bottom of the camera housing 10. One end of the first linkage 421 is fixedly connected to one side of the first cover plate 51. Specifically, the first linkage 421 passes through the first through hole 101 and is fixedly connected to the first cover plate 51 on the outer side of the bottom of the camera housing 10. One end of the second linkage 422 is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor, and the other end of the second linkage 422 is rotatably connected to one end of the third linkage 423. The other end of the third linkage 423 is rotatably connected to the other end of the first linkage 421. The bottom of the camera housing 10 is also provided with a second through hole 102. One end of the fourth connecting rod 424 is fixedly connected to one side of the second cover plate 52. The fourth connecting rod 424 passes through the second through hole 102 and is fixedly connected to the second cover plate 52 on the outer side of the bottom of the camera housing 10. Preferably, both the first connecting rod 421 and the fourth connecting rod 424 are curved. The other end of the second connecting rod 422 is rotatably connected to one end of the third connecting rod 423 and the fifth connecting rod 425, respectively. The other end of the third connecting rod 423 is rotatably connected to the other end of the first connecting rod 421, and the other end of the fifth connecting rod 425 is rotatably connected to the other end of the fourth connecting rod 424. In this way, the motor can drive these connecting rods to rotate, and the first cover plate 51 can automatically open and close under the drive of the motor, the first connecting rod 421, the second connecting rod 422, and the third connecting rod 423. The second cover plate 52 can also automatically open and close under the drive of the motor, the second connecting rod 422, the fourth connecting rod 424, and the fifth connecting rod 425, thus protecting the bottom of the camera. The connection method between the connecting rods in this application can adopt the common mechanical connection method such as shaft and bearing, which will not be described in detail here.

[0036] Optionally, see Figure 5The camera housing 10 has several side plates 70 and mounting blocks 80 for mounting and fixing the drive mechanism 40. The side plates 70 are fixed inside the camera housing 10, forming a relatively enclosed receiving space with the housing 10 for housing the drive mechanism 40. Preferably, there are four mounting blocks 80: two are fixed to the side plates 70 for mounting and fixing the motor, and the other two are fixed to the inner side of the bottom of the housing 10 for mounting and fixing the first connecting rod 421 and the fourth connecting rod 424. This prevents the cover from shifting during opening and closing, making its opening and closing movement more stable.

[0037] In Example 2 (Binocular Camera):

[0038] See Figures 9 to 13 The camera housing 10 has a first through hole 101 at its bottom. One end of the first connecting rod 421 is fixedly connected to one side of the cover plate 50. Specifically, the first connecting rod 421 passes through the first through hole 101 and is fixedly connected to the cover plate 50 on the outer side of the bottom of the camera housing 10. One end of the second connecting rod 422 is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor, and the other end of the second connecting rod 422 is rotatably connected to one end of the third connecting rod 423. The other end of the third connecting rod 423 is rotatably connected to the other end of the first connecting rod 421.

[0039] When the 3D camera 100 is needed, the motor drives the second link 422 to rotate. At the same time, the third link 423 also rotates, which in turn drives the first link 421 to rotate. Since a cover plate 50 is fixed to one end of the first link 421, the cover plate 50 also rotates, opening the 3D camera 100 and allowing it to function normally. After use, the motor drives the second link 422 to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the cover plate 50 to rotate in the opposite direction as well, allowing it to fit against the bottom of the camera housing 10 and close. In embodiment 2, since the 3D camera 100 is a binocular camera, it includes two lenses and a laser (or a laser galvanometer system). To protect these important optical components and their corresponding filters, the cover plate 50 is a single large plate. The bottom of the camera housing 10 is rectangular in shape, and the first through hole 101 is located near the long side of the bottom. The rotation axis of the cover plate 50 is parallel to the aforementioned long side. The cover plate 50 is driven to open and close automatically by the motor driving the connecting rod to rotate. That is, the automatic opening and closing of the bottom of the binocular camera is achieved by the automatic opening and closing of a whole large plate. The installation and fixing of the drive mechanism 40 in Embodiment 2 is similar to that in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0040] Furthermore, the outer bottom of the housing 10 of the 3D camera 100 has a groove, and a corresponding groove is also provided on the cover plate. Magnets are placed within these grooves. For details, please refer to... Figure 1In Embodiment 1, a first groove 61 is provided on the outer side of the bottom of the outer casing 10, and a second groove 62 is provided on the first cover plate 51. Magnets (preferably soft magnets that attract each other, not shown in Figure 1) are placed in both grooves. When the 3D camera 100 is not in use or is not needed, the first cover plate 51 is attached to the outer side of the bottom of the camera casing 10. The second groove 62 on the first cover plate 51 is correspondingly provided with the first groove 61 on the outer side of the bottom of the outer casing 10. That is, when the first cover plate 51 is in the closed state, the magnet in the second groove 62 is correspondingly below the magnet in the first groove 61. The two magnets attract each other. Thus, when the first cover plate 51 is to be in the closed state, under the attraction of the two magnets, the first cover plate 51 can be attached more tightly to the bottom of the outer casing 10, which plays a role in protecting the camera lens, laser or laser galvanometer system and other optical devices and their corresponding filters. Alternatively, similarly, the second cover plate 52 also has a groove, and a magnet is placed therein. A corresponding groove is also formed on the outer bottom of the outer casing 10, and a magnet is placed therein as well. The two attract each other, and their function is essentially the same as described above, "allowing the cover plate to fit more tightly against the bottom of the outer casing 10," so it will not be described again here. In embodiment 2, at least one groove can also be formed on the outer bottom of the binocular camera's outer casing 10, and correspondingly, at least one groove can be formed on its cover plate 50. Magnets that attract each other are placed in these grooves. Similarly, their function is still essentially the same as described above, "allowing the cover plate to fit more tightly against the bottom of the outer casing 10," so it will not be described again here.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," and "bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of this application, used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. The protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application; and these modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. All should be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A protective device for a 3D camera lens and / or laser, characterized in that: The device includes a drive mechanism (40) and a cover plate (50). The drive mechanism (40) is located inside the housing (10) of the 3D camera (100), and the cover plate (50) is located outside the housing (10). The cover plate (50) is connected to the drive mechanism (40) and moves under the action of the drive mechanism (40).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 3D camera (100) acquires image information through the bottom of the housing (10). When the 3D camera (100) is not used or is not needed, the cover plate (50) is attached to the bottom of the housing (10). When the 3D camera (100) needs to be used, the drive mechanism (40) drives the cover plate (50) to move away from the bottom of the housing (10).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (40) includes a drive member (41) and a linkage assembly (42). The cover plate (50) or the first cover plate (51) of the cover plate (50) is fixedly connected to one end of the first linkage (421) in the linkage assembly (42). The output end of the drive member (41) is fixedly connected to one end of the second linkage (422) in the linkage assembly (42).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The linkage assembly (42) further includes a third linkage (423), one end of the second linkage (422) is rotatably connected to one end of the third linkage (423), and the other end of the third linkage (423) is rotatably connected to the other end of the first linkage (421).

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the outer casing (10) is provided with a first through hole (101), and one end of the first connecting rod (421) passes through the first through hole (101) and is fixedly connected to the cover plate (50) or the first cover plate (51) in the cover plate (50).

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