Dredging robot camera self-cleaning structure
By integrating water spraying and air blowing components into the camera of the dredging robot, the problem of difficult-to-clean camera lenses has been solved, achieving continuous lens cleaning and reliable visual support, thus improving the effectiveness of dredging work.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing dredging robot cameras struggle to thoroughly clean stubborn contaminants from their lenses in pipes with heavy sludge, resulting in poor image quality.
A self-cleaning structure for a dredging robot camera was designed, including a camera body, an outer frame, a water spray head, an air blowing component, and a disassembly component. It cleans the lens dirt by a combination of water spraying and air spraying, and supports a detachable design for thorough cleaning.
Ensure the camera lens remains clean during dredging to provide reliable visual support, improve shooting results, and facilitate thorough lens cleaning, guaranteeing a clean state for the next use.
Smart Images
Figure CN224072804U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipeline dredging robot technology, and in particular to a self-cleaning structure for a dredging robot camera. Background Technology
[0002] The application of dredging robots is becoming increasingly widespread in urban drainage systems and industrial water pipelines. Cameras, as crucial visual devices for these robots, provide operators with real-time images of the pipeline interior, which is essential for precise dredging. However, due to the extremely harsh dredging environment, camera lenses often face various contamination challenges.
[0003] Current dredging robot cameras typically employ a relatively traditional installation method, mounting them onto the robot using a simple fixing structure. For cleaning, they primarily rely on air jets to clean the lenses.
[0004] In practical dredging scenarios, existing technologies for cleaning cameras on dredging robots present several problems. Firstly, current air-jet cleaning methods struggle to thoroughly clean the lens when faced with large amounts of sludge inside pipes. For example, in pipes with significant sludge, air jets cannot effectively remove stubborn sludge adhering to the lens, resulting in poor camera image quality. This issue arises because existing cleaning methods are simplistic and lack more effective cleaning techniques designed for the complex sludge conditions within pipes. Therefore, this paper proposes a self-cleaning structure for dredging robot cameras to address these problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides a self-cleaning structure for a dredging robot camera, aiming to improve the problem that existing dredging robot cameras using a single air jet cleaning method are unable to clean the dirt adhering to the lens surface.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a self-cleaning structure for a dredging robot camera, comprising a camera body and a disassembly assembly, wherein an outer frame is provided on the outer side of the camera body, a drainage groove is provided inside the outer frame, the disassembly assembly is provided on the inner side of the outer frame, a water spray head is installed on the inner side of the outer frame, a water pipe is fixedly connected to the outer side of the water spray head, and an air blowing assembly is provided on the outer side of the camera body, the air blowing assembly being used to blow away water droplets on the surface of the camera body lens;
[0007] The air blowing assembly includes an electric push rod, which is installed on the outside of the camera body. A push plate is fixedly connected to the output end of the electric push rod. An airbag is fixedly connected to the outside of the push plate. A fixing plate is fixedly connected to the outside of the camera body. Two conduits are fixedly connected to the air outlet of the airbag. Two cavities are opened inside the outer frame. Air inlets are opened on the inner walls of the cavities. Two air jets are installed inside the cavities.
[0008] Furthermore, both the air inlet and outlet of the airbag are equipped with one-way valves, and the outer side of the airbag is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fixing plate.
[0009] Furthermore, one end of the conduit is fixedly connected to the outside of the outer frame and communicates with the inside of the air inlet.
[0010] Furthermore, the inner side of the outer frame is slidably connected to the outer side of the camera body, and a flange is fixedly connected to one end of the camera body.
[0011] Furthermore, the disassembly assembly includes two sliders, one end of which is fixedly connected to the inside of the outer frame.
[0012] Furthermore, two retaining beads are fixedly connected to the outer side of the slider, and two L-shaped grooves are formed on the outer side of the camera body.
[0013] Furthermore, two slots are formed on the inner side of the L-shaped groove, the outer side of the slider is slidably connected to the inner side of the L-shaped groove, and the outer side of the retaining bead is engaged inside the slot.
[0014] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0015] 1. In this utility model, when the dredging robot is cleaning long water pipelines, the camera is firmly installed on the robot via a flange, providing the robot with a clear vision and assisting in cleaning dirt. The operator can use the real-time feedback from the camera to understand the internal condition of the pipeline and formulate an effective dredging strategy. The water pipe is connected to the water tank, and the spray nozzle sprays water evenly onto the camera lens to quickly remove dirt and ensure the lens is clean. The drain trough at the bottom of the inner side of the outer frame drains dirt in time to avoid accumulation that affects the shooting effect, so that the camera can continue to play a role in the dredging process and provide reliable visual support for the dredging work. The electric push rod is activated to push the push plate to squeeze the air bag. The gas enters the cavity of the outer frame through the conduit and is then sprayed out from the jet nozzle to blow away the water droplets on the lens surface. In a humid environment, the jet nozzle can quickly remove water droplets to ensure that the lens is dry and clean, completing the automatic cleaning and avoiding dirt and water droplets from affecting the lens, thus ensuring the continuous effectiveness of the camera in the dredging work.
[0016] 2. In this utility model, when the dredging work is finished, pinch the outer side of the outer frame and rotate it to separate the locking ball from the slot, thereby quickly releasing the outer frame from the fixation. Then, move the slider to the corresponding position and pull the outer frame outward to remove it, which makes it convenient to clean the camera and the outer frame. This detachable design allows the operator to clean it thoroughly, ensuring that the camera lens is clean for the next use, improving the shooting effect, and facilitating the next dredging work. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a self-cleaning structure for a dredging robot camera proposed in this utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the conduit structure of a self-cleaning structure for a dredging robot camera proposed in this utility model;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the outer frame structure of a self-cleaning structure for a dredging robot camera proposed in this utility model;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the L-shaped groove structure of a self-cleaning structure for a dredging robot camera proposed in this utility model.
[0021] Legend:
[0022] 1. Camera body; 2. Outer frame; 3. Drainage trough; 4. Spray nozzle; 5. Water pipe; 6. Electric actuator; 7. Push plate; 8. Airbag; 9. Fixing plate; 10. Conduit; 11. Cavity; 12. Air inlet; 13. Jet nozzle; 14. Slider; 15. Clamping ball; 16. L-shaped groove; 17. Slot; 18. Flange. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0024] Reference Figures 1-3This utility model provides an embodiment of a self-cleaning structure for a dredging robot camera, comprising a camera body 1 and a disassembly assembly. The camera body 1, as the core component of the entire self-cleaning structure, is typically made of high-strength materials and possesses good sealing and shock resistance. It provides the dredging robot with clear vision, assisting it in cleaning the internal dirt of long water pipelines. A flange 18 is fixedly connected to one end of the camera body 1. The flange 18 is typically made of metal and possesses high strength and stability. The flange 18 facilitates the installation of the camera body 1 on the dredging robot, ensuring stable operation of the camera body 1 during the dredging process. An outer frame 2 is provided on the outer side of the camera body 1. The outer frame 2 is typically made of metal or plastic and possesses certain strength and protective properties. The outer frame 2 protects the camera body 1 from external environmental influences such as collisions and dust. A drain trough 3 is provided inside the outer frame 2, the disassembly assembly is located on the inner side of the outer frame 2, and a water spray head 4 is installed on the inner side of the outer frame 2. The water nozzle 4 is typically made of metal or plastic, offering good corrosion resistance and water spraying performance. A water pipe 5 is fixedly connected to the outside of the water nozzle 4. The water pipe 5 is typically made of rubber or plastic, offering good flexibility and corrosion resistance. One end of the water pipe 5 is connected to the water tank on the dredging robot, allowing water to be pumped into the water nozzle 4 to spray onto the lens of the camera body 1, cleaning dirt from the lens surface. This design ensures the lens of the camera body 1 remains clean, improving the camera's shooting performance. A drain trough 3 is located on the bottom inner side of the outer frame 2. The drain trough 3 facilitates the discharge of sprayed dirt, preventing dirt from accumulating around the camera body 1 and affecting its normal operation. An air blowing assembly is located on the outside of the camera body 1, used to blow away water droplets from the lens surface. The air blowing assembly includes an electric push rod 6. The electric push rod 6 is typically made of metal, offering high strength and stability. Mounted on the outside of the camera body 1, the electric push rod 6 provides stable thrust to the push plate 7. A push plate 7 is fixedly connected to the output end of the electric actuator 6. The push plate 7 is typically made of metal or plastic and has high strength and stability. An airbag 8 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the push plate 7. The airbag 8 is typically made of rubber or plastic and has good elasticity and sealing. A fixing plate 9 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the camera body 1. The fixing plate 9 is typically made of metal and has high strength and stability. Two conduits 10 are fixedly connected to the air outlet of the airbag 8. The conduits 10 are typically made of rubber or plastic and have good flexibility and sealing. Two cavities 11 are opened inside the outer frame 2. The design of the cavities 11 provides installation space for the jet heads 13 and also allows the gas to be evenly distributed within the cavities 11, improving the jetting effect. An air inlet 12 is opened on the inner wall of the cavity 11. The design of the air inlet 12 allows the gas in the airbag 8 to be easily delivered into the cavity 11. Two jet heads 13 are installed inside the cavity 11.The jet nozzle 13 is typically made of metal or plastic and has good jet performance. Both the air inlet and outlet of the airbag 8 are equipped with one-way valves. The one-way valve design ensures that gas flows in only one direction, preventing backflow and improving the efficiency of the blowing assembly. The outer side of the airbag 8 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the mounting plate 9, one end of the conduit 10 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the outer frame 2 and communicates with the interior of the air inlet 12, and the inner side of the outer frame 2 is slidably connected to the outer side of the camera body 1.
[0025] Specifically, when the dredging robot is cleaning long water pipelines, the camera body 1 is securely mounted on the robot using flange 18. The design of flange 18 ensures that the camera body 1 remains stably fixed to the robot during the dredging process, preventing it from loosening or falling off due to robot movement or vibration. This allows the camera body 1 to continuously provide the dredging robot with a clear view, assisting it in accurately cleaning the dirt inside the long water pipeline. Through real-time video feedback from the camera, the operator of the dredging robot can better understand the internal condition of the pipeline and formulate more effective dredging strategies. One end of the water pipe 5 is connected to the water tank on the dredging robot, allowing water to be drawn from the tank into the spray head 4. The spray head 4 can evenly spray water onto the lens of the camera body 1, effectively cleaning the dirt adhering to the lens surface. This dirt includes dust, mud, oil, etc., which can affect the camera's shooting effect and make it difficult for the operator to see the internal condition of the pipeline. The spray from the spray head 4 can quickly remove this dirt, ensuring that the lens of the camera body 1 remains clean at all times. Furthermore, the drainage channel 3 located at the bottom inner side of the outer frame 2 can promptly drain the sprayed dirt, preventing it from accumulating around the camera body 1 and further affecting the shooting effect. This design allows the camera to continue functioning during the dredging process, providing reliable visual support for the dredging work. Then, the electric push rod 6 is activated. As a reliable power source, the electric push rod 6 can precisely move the push plate 7. During the movement, the push plate 7 compresses the airbag 8, causing the gas inside the airbag 8 to be delivered from one end of the two conduits 10 to the air inlet 12. The design of the conduits 10 ensures that the gas can be smoothly delivered from the airbag 8 to the cavity 11 of the outer frame 2. After entering the two cavities 11, the gas is then ejected from the four jet nozzles 13. The jet nozzles 13 can evenly spray the gas onto the lens of the camera body 1, blowing away the water droplets sprayed on the lens surface. During the dredging process, due to the humid environment, water droplets will form on the lens surface, which will also affect the shooting effect of the camera. The jet nozzle 13 quickly removes water droplets, ensuring that the lens of the camera body 1 remains dry and clean. This automatic cleaning of the camera body 1 lens prevents dirt and water droplets inside the pipe from affecting the lens, thus ensuring the continued effectiveness of the camera during dredging operations.
[0026] Reference Figures 2-4 The assembly includes two sliders 14. Slider 14 is typically made of metal or plastic, possessing high strength and wear resistance. One end of each slider 14 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the outer frame 2, allowing it to move under the influence of the outer frame 2. Two retaining beads 15 are fixedly connected to the outer side of each slider 14. Retaining beads 15 are typically made of elastic materials, such as rubber or plastic. The retaining beads 15 engage with retaining slots 17 to secure the outer frame 2 to the camera body 1. Two L-shaped grooves 16 are formed on the outer side of the camera body 1. The L-shaped grooves 16 facilitate the installation and removal of the outer frame 2 from the camera body 1. Two retaining slots 17 are formed on the inner side of the L-shaped grooves 16. The retaining slots 17 engage with the retaining beads 15 to secure the outer frame 2 to the camera body 1. The outer side of the slider 14 slides into the inner side of the L-shaped grooves 16, and the outer side of the retaining beads 15 engages with the inside of the retaining slots 17.
[0027] Specifically, at the end of the dredging work, the outer frame 2 can be pinched and rotated. This operation is simple and convenient, and operators can easily perform the operation. Rotating the outer frame 2 separates the retaining bead 15 from the retaining slot 17, which is a clever design. The cooperation between the retaining bead 15 and the retaining slot 17 ensures that the outer frame 2 is firmly fixed to the camera body 1 during normal operation, and this fixation can be quickly released by rotating the outer frame 2 when disassembly is required. When the slider 14 moves to the corner of the L-shaped groove 16, the outer frame 2 can be pulled outward. The design of the L-shaped groove 16 makes the disassembly process of the outer frame 2 smoother and more stable. The outer frame 2 can be removed from the outside of the camera body 1, making it convenient to clean the camera body 1 and the outer frame 2. After the dredging work is completed, the camera body 1 and the outer frame 2 will be covered with some dirt. If it is not cleaned in time, it will affect the effect of the next use. With this detachable design, operators can easily and thoroughly clean the camera body 1 and the outer frame 2, ensuring that the lens of the camera body 1 remains clean for the next use, improving the camera's shooting effect and preparing for the next dredging operation.
[0028] Working principle: First, the camera body 1 is mounted on the dredging robot via flange 18, providing vision for the dredging robot to assist in cleaning the internal dirt of the long water pipeline. One end of the water pipe 5 is connected to the water tank on the dredging robot, which can pump water into the spray head 4 to spray the lens of the camera body 1, cleaning the dirt on the lens surface and letting it flow away from the drain trough 3. Then, the electric push rod 6 is activated to push the push plate 7 to move and squeeze the air bag 8. The gas inside the air bag 8 is delivered from one end of the two tubes 10 to the air inlet 12 and enters the interior of the two cavities 11, and then sprays out from the four jet nozzles 13 to blow away the water droplets sprayed on the lens surface, completing the automatic cleaning of the lens of the camera body 1 and preventing the dirt inside the pipeline from affecting the lens.
[0029] In addition, when the dredging work is finished, the outer side of the outer frame 2 can be pinched and rotated to separate the locking bead 15 from the locking slot 17. When the slider 14 moves to the corner of the L-shaped slot 16, the outer frame 2 can be pulled outward to remove the outer frame 2 from the outside of the camera body 1, making it convenient to clean the camera body 1 and the outer frame 2.
[0030] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A dredging robot camera self-cleaning structure, comprising a camera body (1) and a dismounting assembly, characterized in that: The outside of the camera body (1) is provided with an outer frame (2), a sewage groove (3) is opened in the inside of the outer frame (2), the dismounting assembly is arranged on the inside of the outer frame (2), a water spraying head (4) is installed on the inside of the outer frame (2), the water spraying head (4) is fixedly connected with a water pipe (5) on the outside, the outside of the camera body (1) is provided with a blowing assembly, and the blowing assembly is used for blowing away the water droplets on the lens surface of the camera body (1). The blowing assembly comprises an electric push rod (6), the electric push rod (6) is installed on the outside of the camera body (1), the output end of the electric push rod (6) is fixedly connected with a push plate (7), the outside of the push plate (7) is fixedly connected with an air bag (8), the outside of the camera body (1) is fixedly connected with a fixed plate (9), two pipes (10) are fixedly connected at the air outlet of the air bag (8), two cavities (11) are opened in the inside of the outer frame (2), the inner wall of the cavity (11) is provided with an air inlet hole (12), and two air jet heads (13) are installed in the inside of the cavity (11).
2. The self-cleaning structure of a robot camera for dredging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet and the air outlet of the air bag (8) are provided with one-way valves, and the outside of the air bag (8) is fixedly connected with the outside of the fixed plate (9).
3. The self-cleaning structure of a robot camera for dredging according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the pipe (10) is fixedly connected with the outside of the outer frame (2) and communicates with the inside of the air inlet hole (12).
4. The self-cleaning structure of a robot camera for dredging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inside of the outer frame (2) is slidably connected with the outside of the camera body (1), and one end of the camera body (1) is fixedly connected with a flange plate (18).
5. The self-cleaning structure of a robot camera for dredging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dismounting assembly comprises two sliding blocks (14), and one end of the sliding block (14) is fixedly connected with the inside of the outer frame (2).
6. The self-cleaning structure of a dredging robot camera according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outside of the sliding block (14) is fixedly connected with two clamping beads (15), and the outside of the camera body (1) is provided with two L-shaped grooves (16).
7. The self-cleaning structure of a dredging robot camera according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inside of the L-shaped groove (16) is provided with two clamping grooves (17), the outside of the sliding block (14) is slidably connected with the inside of the L-shaped groove (16), and the outside of the clamping bead (15) is clamped in the inside of the clamping groove (17).