Waterproof molten pool camera

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of additive monitoring equipment, and discloses a waterproof molten pool camera which comprises a machine shell, an imaging unit, an illumination unit and a control unit, the machine shell comprises a main shell body, a front cover body and a mounting plate, an imaging hole is formed in one end of the main shell body, a protection lens is arranged on the front cover body, the front cover body is fixed to the imaging hole, and the protection lens is arranged on the main shell body. The imaging unit is fixed on the main shell to seal a conveying imaging hole, the mounting plate is fixed on the main shell to seal the main shell, the imaging unit, the lighting unit and the control unit are all arranged in the main shell, the imaging unit and the lighting unit are both connected with the control unit, and the control unit is connected with the imaging unit. The imaging unit and the lighting unit are arranged towards the imaging hole and are suitable for adjusting the included angle between the imaging direction of the imaging unit and the lighting direction of the lighting unit, the waterproof and dustproof effects of the molten pool camera can be improved, and the imaging quality of the molten pool camera is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of additive monitoring equipment, specifically to a waterproof molten pool camera. Background Technology

[0002] Additive manufacturing is a technology that uses the gradual accumulation of materials to create solid parts. In a broad sense, additive manufacturing includes 3D printing, cladding, and welding. During additive manufacturing, a molten pool is typically formed on a base material using lasers and / or electric arcs. Additive materials are melted into this pool, and after solidification, the corresponding solid structure is formed. The state of the molten pool reflects various quality information in additive manufacturing, and monitoring the state of the molten pool is usually necessary to control the quality of the additive manufacturing process.

[0003] Molten pool status information is typically acquired using a molten pool camera. This camera filters out strong light from laser irradiation or electric arcs, capturing a relatively clear image of the molten pool area. This image is then transmitted to a computer system for image recognition and processing, extracting information relevant to additive manufacturing quality. This allows for adjustments to additive manufacturing parameters to improve and stabilize processing quality. The use of a molten pool camera eliminates the reliance on manual observation of molten pool characteristics to judge additive manufacturing quality, avoiding subjectivity in human judgment, improving the real-time acquisition of additive manufacturing quality, and facilitating the automation of additive manufacturing control.

[0004] Current research on melt pool cameras focuses primarily on improving the frame rate of image acquisition and the real-time performance of image processing, with insufficient attention paid to the camera's waterproof and dustproof performance in factory environments. This results in poor waterproof and dustproof performance of existing melt pool cameras, making them unsuitable for long-term operation in factory environments. Most existing melt pool cameras have a protective lens in front of the camera lens to isolate water and dust from the manufacturing environment. However, after prolonged use, water and dust adhere to the protective lens, and the dust and wiping marks affect the light transmission of the protective lens, severely impacting the image quality of the melt pool camera. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to improve the waterproof and dustproof performance of the molten pool camera and ensure the imaging quality of the molten pool camera, this application provides a waterproof molten pool camera.

[0006] The waterproof melt pool camera provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A waterproof molten pool camera includes a housing, an imaging unit, an illumination unit, and a control unit. The housing includes a main housing, a front cover, and a mounting plate. An imaging hole is provided at one end of the main housing. A protective lens is provided on the front cover, which is fixed to the imaging hole to form a seal against the imaging hole. The mounting plate is fixed to the main housing to form a seal between the mounting plate and the main housing. The imaging unit, illumination unit, and control unit are all disposed within the main housing. The imaging unit and illumination unit are both connected to the control unit. The imaging unit and illumination unit are both oriented towards the imaging hole and are adapted to adjust the angle between the imaging direction of the imaging unit and the illumination direction of the illumination unit.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, and utilizing the sealed connection between the front cover with a protective lens and the mounting plate and the main housing, the imaging unit can be placed within a sealed space inside the main housing. This prevents contamination of the imaging unit by water and dust from the external environment while acquiring the image of the molten pool in front of the imaging unit through the protective lens, thus ensuring the imaging quality. Furthermore, by utilizing the imaging unit and illumination unit, which are located within the main housing and are adapted to adjust the angle between the imaging direction and the illumination direction, active illumination can be provided for different imaging areas of the imaging unit. This reduces the impact of flickering laser and / or arc light from additive manufacturing on the imaging quality, further guaranteeing the imaging quality of the imaging unit.

[0009] In one specific implementation, the illumination unit includes two laser illumination plates, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the imaging lens of the imaging unit, and are adapted to adjust the angle between the illumination direction of the two laser illumination plates and the optical axis direction of the imaging lens.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, two laser illumination plates positioned on either side of the imaging lens can illuminate the imaging area of ​​the imaging unit from both sides of the lens, improving the brightness and illumination effect of the imaging area and thus enhancing the imaging quality of the imaging unit. Furthermore, by adjusting the illumination direction of the two laser illumination plates separately, the illumination range and effect of the illumination unit can be better defined, increasing the flexibility of adjusting the illumination unit.

[0011] In one specific implementation, the illumination unit further includes two illumination plate mounting brackets. The laser illumination plates are respectively fixed on the illumination plate mounting brackets. The two illumination plate mounting brackets are respectively installed on the mounting plate at corresponding positions on both sides of the imaging lens, so that the illumination direction of the laser illumination plates is deflected toward the optical axis of the imaging lens. The illumination plate mounting brackets can adjust the deflection angle of the mounting on the mounting plate so that the illumination direction of the two laser illumination plates intersects with the optical axis of the imaging lens at the same position.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution and utilizing the lighting plate mounting bracket installed on the mounting plate, the installation convenience and positional stability of the laser lighting plate can be improved, ensuring the imaging effect of the imaging unit during use. By arranging the illumination directions of the two laser lighting plates to intersect the optical axis of the imaging lens at the same position, the illumination brightness of the imaging area can be increased, the impact of flickering additive light on the imaging effect can be reduced, and the imaging quality of the imaging area can be improved.

[0013] In one specific implementation, the front cover includes a front cover plate and a lens clamping member. The front cover plate is provided with a light-transmitting hole opposite to the imaging hole. A lens sealing ring is provided around the light-transmitting hole. The protective lens is disposed at the light-transmitting hole and covers the lens sealing ring. The lens clamping member is detachably fixed to the front cover plate and is adapted to push the protective lens to press against the lens sealing ring, forming a seal between the protective lens and the front cover plate.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, a lens clamping component that is detachably fixed to the front cover plate and pushes the protective lens to press the lens sealing ring can ensure the seal between the protective lens and the front cover plate. At the same time, the protective lens can be easily replaced by disassembling it. This allows for quick replacement of the protective lens after it is contaminated or damaged, thus ensuring the imaging effect of the imaging unit.

[0015] In one specific implementation, a limiting groove is provided on the side of the front cover away from the housing, the light-transmitting hole and the lens sealing ring are both disposed in the limiting groove, the lens clamping member is a clamping frame plate, the clamping frame plate is fixed in the limiting groove on the outside of the protective lens, and forms a compression on the protective lens.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the protective lens can be pressed tightly from the periphery by a clamping frame plate fixed to the outside of the protective lens, improving the positional stability of the protective lens and the sealing effect between the protective lens and the front cover plate. The arrangement of the protective lens, lens sealing ring, and clamping frame plate all within the limiting groove further enhances the positional stability of the protective lens and clamping frame plate, preventing external components from scratching the clamping frame plate.

[0017] In one specific implementation, a snap-fit ​​groove is provided on one side of the limiting groove, and a frame plate fixing screw hole is provided on the other side. A snap-fit ​​block is provided on one side of the pressing frame plate, and a frame plate mounting hole is provided on the other side. The pressing frame plate is inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove through the snap-fit ​​block, and is fixed in the limiting groove by screws passing through the frame plate mounting hole and screwed into the frame plate fixing screw hole.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the clamping block on one side of the clamping frame plate and the clamping groove on one side of the limiting groove cooperate with the frame plate mounting hole on the other side of the clamping frame plate and the frame plate fixing screw hole on the other side of the limiting groove, the clamping frame plate can be pressed tightly onto the protective lens, so that the other side of the protective lens is pressed onto the lens sealing ring, forming a seal between the protective lens and the bottom surface of the limiting groove.

[0019] In one specific implementation, an insertion groove is provided on one side of the front cover plate. The insertion groove extends through the perimeter of the light-transmitting hole and opens only on one side of the front cover plate. A sealing groove is provided on the side wall of the insertion groove around the light-transmitting hole. A lens sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove. The protective lens can be inserted into the insertion groove. The lens clamping member is a clamping baffle. The clamping baffle is fixed to the opening side of the insertion groove and can press against the side edge of the protective lens.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the protective lens is installed on the front cover by inserting it into the mounting slot of the front cover. This improves the stability of the positional relationship between the protective lens and the front cover, avoids the loosening of screws caused by vibration during long-term use, and prevents the decrease in the clamping force between the protective lens and the sealing ring, which would lead to poor sealing. This improves the sealing performance between the protective lens and the front cover.

[0021] In one specific implementation, the bottom portion of the side of the insertion groove opposite to the sealing groove is provided with a groove bottom slope extending into the groove, and a pressing push block is provided on the inner side of the pressing baffle corresponding to the groove bottom slope.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the protective lens can be better pressed onto the lens sealing ring by using the bottom slope of the insertion slot and the pressing push block inside the pressing baffle. This improves the reliability of the seal between the protective lens and the side wall of the insertion slot.

[0023] In one specific implementation scheme, the waterproof molten pool camera of this application further includes a T-shaped connecting plate, the T-shaped connecting plate including a connecting base plate and a vertical mounting plate, the vertical mounting plate being fixedly connected to the middle of the connecting base plate, the connecting base plate being mounted on the mounting plate, and the imaging unit and the control unit being respectively mounted on opposite sides of the vertical mounting plate.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, and by installing the imaging unit and the control unit on both sides of the vertical mounting plate respectively, and by mounting the connecting base plate on the mounting plate, a stable installation of the imaging unit and the control unit on the mounting plate can be achieved, thereby improving the reliability of the mounting structure of the imaging unit and the control unit and the stability of the mounting position of the imaging unit and the control unit.

[0025] In one specific implementation, a GigE interface is provided on the side of the main housing opposite to the imaging hole, and the GigE interface is connected to the control unit; an explosion-proof hole is provided on the main housing, and the explosion-proof hole is covered with an elastic sealing sheet.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution and utilizing the GigE interface located on the main housing, the transmission distance of images acquired by the molten pool camera can be increased, the anti-interference capability during image transmission can be improved, and the stability of the molten pool camera in factory industrial environments can be enhanced. The explosion-proof vents on the main housing can buffer the pressure inside the housing under sealed conditions, preventing the housing from exploding under extreme conditions and improving the safety performance of the waterproof molten pool camera.

[0027] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0028] 1. By sealing the front cover with the main housing around the imaging hole, sealing the mounting plate with the main housing, and sealing the protective lens with the front cover, a reliable seal is formed between the internal space of the housing and the external environment. This allows the imaging unit located in the main housing to acquire external images and the illumination unit to effectively illuminate the imaging area while preventing water and dust from the external environment from entering the housing and contaminating the internal components. This enables the waterproof molten pool camera of this application to be used in industrial workshop environments, improving the applicability and imaging effect of the waterproof molten pool camera of this application.

[0029] 2. By adjusting the angle between the illumination direction of the illumination unit and the imaging direction of the imaging unit, the illumination effect of the illumination unit in the imaging area of ​​the imaging unit can be improved, the influence of laser light or electric arc light on the imaging effect during additive manufacturing can be reduced, and the stability of the acquired image can be improved.

[0030] 3. By setting a lens sealing ring around the light-transmitting hole of the front cover plate, and using a lens clamping component that is detachably fixed to the front cover plate to press the protective lens onto the front cover plate, a reliable seal can be formed between the protective lens and the front cover plate. This also allows for easy replacement of the protective lens when it is damaged and affects the image quality, thus ensuring the long-term stable and clear imaging requirements of the waterproof molten pool camera of this application in harsh industrial workshop environments.

[0031] 4. By setting a GigE interface on the main housing, the anti-interference capability of the image data acquired by the molten pool camera in a strong electromagnetic environment can be improved, and the long-distance transmission capability of image data can be improved. By setting an explosion-proof hole on the main housing and an elastic sealing sheet covering the explosion-proof hole, the pressure change in the sealed space inside the housing can be buffered under extreme conditions, preventing the housing from exploding and causing safety accidents. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of one embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of one embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the front cover part in one embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the front cover part in another embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the front cover plate in one embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping baffle structure in one embodiment of this application.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Housing; 11. Main housing; 111. Imaging hole; 1111. Front cover sealing ring; 112. GigE interface; 113. Explosion-proof hole; 114. Elastic sealing sheet; 115. Mounting hole; 1151. Mounting plate sealing ring; 12. Front cover; 121. Front cover plate; 1211. Pressure plate positioning groove; 122. Light transmission hole; 123. Lens sealing ring; 124. Limiting groove; 1241. Snap-fit ​​groove; 1242. Frame plate fixing screw hole; 1 25. Pressing frame plate; 1251. Snap-fit ​​block; 1252. Frame plate mounting hole; 126. Insertion groove; 1261. Sealing groove; 1262. Groove bottom slope; 127. Pressing baffle; 1271. Pressing push block; 13. Mounting plate; 14. Protective lens; 2. Imaging unit; 21. Imaging lens; 3. Illumination unit; 31. Laser illumination board; 32. Illumination board mounting bracket; 4. Control unit; 5. T-shaped connecting plate; 51. Connecting base plate; 52. Vertical mounting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The specific embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two elements or the interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] One embodiment of the waterproof melt pool camera of this application, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the device includes a housing 1, an imaging unit 2, an illumination unit 3, and a control unit 4. The housing 1 includes a main housing 11, a front cover 12, and a mounting plate 13. The main housing 11 is a square or cylindrical structure made of metal or plastic. An imaging hole 111 is provided at one end of the main housing 11. A front cover sealing groove is provided on the main housing 11 around the imaging hole 111, and a front cover sealing ring 1111 is provided in the front cover sealing groove. An elongated mounting hole 115 is provided on the side wall of the main housing 11. A mounting plate sealing groove is provided on the main housing 11 around the mounting hole 115, and a mounting plate sealing ring 1151 is provided in the mounting plate sealing groove.

[0043] The shape of the front cover 12 is adapted to the shape of the main housing 11. A light-transmitting hole 122 is provided on the front cover 12, and a protective lens 14 is disposed at the light-transmitting hole 122. For example, a lens mounting groove is provided on the front cover 12 around the light-transmitting hole 122, and the protective lens 14 is installed in the lens mounting groove so that the protective lens covers the entire light-transmitting hole 122. Various possible sealing structures such as sealing rings and sealant can be provided between the protective lens 14 and the front cover 12 to form a seal between the protective lens 14 and the front cover 12 around the light-transmitting hole 122, and the front cover 12 is fixed to the end of the main housing 11 so that the edge of the front cover 12 presses against the front cover sealing ring 1111 to form a seal on the imaging hole 111; or the front cover sealing ring 1111 can be set within the coverage area of ​​the protective lens 14, and when the front cover 12 is fixed to the end of the main housing 11, the edge of the protective lens 14 is pressed against the front cover sealing ring 1111 to form a seal on the imaging hole 111. Mounting plate 13 is fixed to the side of main housing 11, covering the entire mounting hole 115 and the surrounding mounting plate sealing groove, so that mounting plate 13 presses against mounting plate sealing ring 1151, forming a seal between mounting plate 13 and main housing 11, thus isolating the space inside main housing 11 from its external space.

[0044] Imaging unit 2, illumination unit 3, and control unit 4 are all housed within a sealed space inside the main housing 11. The mounting hole 115 facilitates the installation of imaging unit 2, illumination unit 3, and control unit 4 within the main housing 11. Imaging unit 2 can use various imaging devices capable of acquiring images external to imaging hole 111, such as finished industrial cameras, finished webcams, or various CCD imaging modules or CMOS imaging modules with imaging lenses. Illumination unit 3 typically uses single-frequency illumination devices, such as various LED light-emitting elements, laser illumination devices, or light guide elements for transmitting illumination light generated by external light sources. A bandpass filter with the same light transmission frequency as the illumination light emitted by illumination unit 3 is usually placed in front of imaging unit 2. The bandpass filter can filter out most of the light except for the illumination light, thereby filtering out most of the light generated by additive lasers or electric arcs, reducing the impact of flickering light generated by lasers or electric arcs during additive processing on imaging unit 2, and improving the imaging effect of imaging unit 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the illumination unit 3 can be controlled to emit light in pulses, and the emission time of the illumination unit 3 can be controlled to match the image acquisition time of the imaging unit 2. This allows for reducing the emission duration of the illumination unit 3 while ensuring the image acquisition effect of the imaging unit 2, thereby emitting stronger illumination light in a shorter image acquisition time and improving the imaging effect of the molten pool.

[0046] Imaging unit 2 and illumination unit 3 are electrically connected to control unit 4, and can coordinate image acquisition and illumination emission under the control of control unit 4. Control unit 4 can also transmit the images acquired by imaging unit 2, such as by transmitting the image signal through a signal cable through a sealed hole in housing 1, or by integrating a wireless transmission module in control unit 4 to transmit the image signal wirelessly.

[0047] Imaging unit 2, illumination unit 3, and control unit 4 can be directly installed inside the main housing 11 or mounted on the mounting plate 13. When the mounting plate 13 is fixed to the main housing 11, the imaging unit 2, illumination unit 3, and control unit 4 are located inside the main housing 11. Installing the imaging unit 2, illumination unit 3, and control unit 4 within a sealed cavity inside the main housing 11 improves the waterproof and dustproof performance of the molten pool camera, enabling the waterproof molten pool camera of this application to meet the IP65 dustproof and waterproof rating requirements. This prevents water and dust in the industrial workshop environment from contaminating the molten pool camera, ensuring the stability of the imaging quality and performance of the molten pool camera.

[0048] The imaging direction of the imaging unit 2 and the illumination direction of the illumination unit 3 are both set to face the imaging aperture 111. The angle between the imaging direction of the imaging unit 2 and the illumination direction of the illumination unit 3 can be adjusted by adjusting the installation state of the imaging unit 2 and / or the illumination unit 3, thereby adjusting the optimal imaging state and imaging quality of the imaging unit 2.

[0049] In some embodiments of the waterproof melt pool camera of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the illumination unit 3 includes two laser illumination plates 31, each with multiple semiconductor laser elements. The two laser illumination plates 31 are respectively installed on both sides of the imaging lens 21 of the imaging unit 2, emitting illumination lasers from different angles on both sides of the imaging lens 21 towards the imaging area in front of the imaging lens 21, thereby increasing the illumination brightness of the imaging area and ensuring the imaging effect of the imaging unit 2.

[0050] The two laser illumination plates 31 can adjust the angle between their illumination direction and the optical axis of the imaging lens 21, thereby flexibly adjusting the illumination effect of the illumination unit 3.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the waterproof melt pool camera of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lighting unit 3 also includes two lighting plate mounting brackets 32. Each laser lighting plate 31 is fixed on one lighting plate mounting bracket 32. The two lighting plate mounting brackets 32 are respectively installed on the mounting plate 13 at corresponding positions on both sides of the imaging lens 21. When the mounting plate 13 is fixed on the main housing 11, the two lighting plate mounting brackets 32 are located on both sides of the imaging lens 21.

[0052] The lighting panel mounting bracket 32 ​​includes a base plate extending along the lighting direction and a vertical plate with a mounting surface perpendicular to the lighting direction located in the middle of the base plate. The laser lighting panel 31 is fixed to the mounting surface of the vertical plate. A mounting hole is provided on each side of the base plate on the vertical plate. The mounting hole on the side where the laser element of the laser lighting panel 31 is located is arc-shaped, and the other mounting hole is circular, with the circular mounting hole located at the center of the arc-shaped mounting hole. The lighting panel mounting bracket 32 ​​is mounted on the mounting plate 13 using screws passed through the mounting holes. The lighting direction of the laser lighting panel 31 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the screws in the arc-shaped mounting holes.

[0053] The illumination directions of the laser illumination plates 31 on both sides of the imaging lens 21 are deflected towards the optical axis of the imaging lens 21, so that the illumination directions of both laser illumination plates 31 intersect with the optical axis of the imaging lens 21. By adjusting the deflection angle of the illumination plate mounting bracket 32 ​​when it is installed on the mounting plate 13, the illumination directions of both laser illumination plates 31 intersect with the optical axis of the imaging lens 21 at the melt pool position of the additive manufacturing process, thereby improving the illumination effect at the melt pool position.

[0054] In some embodiments of the waterproof melt pool camera of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the front cover 12 includes a front cover plate 121 and a lens clamping member. The front cover plate 121 is connected to the main housing 11 and provides a mounting reference for the protective lens 14. The lens clamping member is used to fix the protective lens 14 on the front cover plate 121. A light-transmitting hole 122 is provided on the front cover plate 121 opposite to the imaging hole 111, so that the illumination light emitted by the illumination unit 3 can illuminate the molten pool position through the imaging hole 111 and the light-transmitting hole 122. The optics from the molten pool position can also reach the imaging unit 2 through the light-transmitting hole 122 and the imaging hole 111, and be captured by the imaging unit 2.

[0055] A lens sealing ring 123 is provided around the light-transmitting hole 122, and a protective lens 14 is provided at the light-transmitting hole 122, covering the entire lens sealing ring 123 within the range of the protective lens 14, forming a seal between the protective lens 14 and the front cover plate 121, thereby maintaining the overall waterproof effect of the waterproof molten pool camera of this application.

[0056] The lens clamping component is detachably fixed to the front cover plate 121. By fixing the lens clamping component to the front cover plate 121, the lens can press the protective lens 14 to press the lens sealing ring 123, ensuring a seal between the protective lens 14 and the front cover plate 121. The protective lens 14 can be easily removed by removing the lens clamping component, allowing for replacement of the protective lens 14 when it becomes dirty, thus ensuring the light transmission effect of the protective lens 14. Compared to the optical lenses or filters on the imaging lens 21, the protective lens 14 is usually cheaper, making the replacement of the protective lens 14 more cost-effective.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the waterproof melt pool camera of this application, such as Figure 4As shown, a limiting groove 124 is provided on the side of the front cover plate 121 away from the housing 1. A light-transmitting hole 122 is located within the limiting groove 124. A sealing ring mounting groove is provided around the light-transmitting hole 122 within the limiting groove 124, and a lens sealing ring 123 is installed in this sealing ring mounting groove. A lens mounting groove covering the light-transmitting hole 122 can also be provided at the bottom of the limiting groove 124. The size and depth of the lens mounting groove are comparable to those of the protective lens 14. In this case, the sealing ring mounting groove is installed within the lens mounting groove. The lens mounting groove can restrict the position of the protective lens 14, prevent the protective lens 14 from moving, improve the convenience of installing the protective lens 14, and enhance the sealing effect between the protective lens 14 and the front cover plate 121.

[0058] The lens clamping component uses a clamping frame plate 125, which is a plate-shaped object with a frame hole in the middle. The clamping frame plate 125 is fixed in the limiting groove 124 and is located on the outside of the protective lens 14, that is, on the side away from the bottom of the limiting groove 124. The clamping frame plate 125 abuts against the peripheral area of ​​the protective lens 14, pressing the protective lens 14 onto the lens sealing ring 123. All mounting holes on the front cover plate 121 are located on the outside of the lens sealing ring 123 and the front cover sealing ring 1111, so that the mounting holes do not damage the sealing performance of the internal space of the main housing 11.

[0059] As one specific embodiment of the waterproof molten pool camera of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, a snap-fit ​​groove 1241 is provided at the bottom of one side wall of the limiting groove 124, and a frame plate fixing screw hole 1242 is provided on the bottom of the groove on the other side. A snap-fit ​​block 1251 adapted to the snap-fit ​​groove 1241 is provided on one side of the clamping frame plate 125, and a frame plate mounting hole 1252 is provided on the other side opposite to the frame plate fixing screw hole 1242. The clamping frame plate 125 is inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove 1241 by the snap-fit ​​block 1251 on one side, and is fixed in the limiting groove 124 by screwing a screw through the frame plate mounting hole 1252 and screwing it into the frame plate fixing screw hole 1242. In this way, the clamping frame plate 125 can be disassembled by rotating only one screw, which improves the convenience of replacing the protective lens 14.

[0060] In some embodiments of the waterproof melt pool camera of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, an insertion groove 126 is provided on one side of the front cover plate 121. The insertion groove 126 extends to the opposite side inside the front cover plate 121, intersecting with and penetrating the light-transmitting hole 122, so that the entire light-transmitting hole 122 is located within the range of the insertion groove 126. One side of the insertion groove 126 opens into the side of the front cover plate 121, and the rest of the surrounding part is located inside the front cover plate 121, forming a blind groove.

[0061] A sealing groove 1261 is provided on at least one side wall of the insertion groove 126 surrounding the light-transmitting hole 122. A lens sealing ring 123 is provided in the sealing groove 1261. The lens sealing ring 123 is made of a highly elastic sealing material. The protective lens 14 can be inserted into the insertion groove 126. When the protective lens 14 is inserted into the insertion groove 126, the protective lens 14 abuts against the lens sealing ring 123, forming a seal between the protective lens 14 and the front cover plate 121.

[0062] The lens clamping component uses a clamping baffle 127, which is detachably fixed to the front cover plate 121 on one side of the opening of the insertion slot 126. After the clamping baffle 127 is fixed to the front cover plate 121, one side of the clamping baffle 127 presses against the side edge of the protective lens 14, fixing the protective lens 14 in the insertion slot 126; by removing the clamping baffle 127, the protective lens 14 can be easily removed and replaced.

[0063] A clamping plate positioning groove 1211 is provided on the side of the front cover plate 121 at a position corresponding to the clamping baffle 127. When the clamping baffle 127 is fixed on the front cover plate 121, the outer part of the clamping baffle 127 is located in the clamping plate positioning groove 1211, which facilitates the positioning and installation of the clamping baffle 127, while ensuring the smoothness of the side of the front cover plate 121 and preventing external structures from scratching the clamping baffle 127.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the waterproof melt pool camera of this application, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, a bottom ramp 1262 is provided on one side of the blind end portion of the insertion groove 126, which is opposite to the opening of the insertion groove 126. The bottom ramp 1262 is provided on the side of the insertion groove 126 opposite to the sealing groove 1261, and extends towards the blind end of the insertion groove 126 while tilting inward towards the insertion groove 126. When the protective lens 14 is inserted into the bottom portion of the insertion groove 126, the side edge of the protective lens 14 abuts against the bottom ramp 1262, pushing one side of the protective lens 14 to be more reliably pressed against the lens sealing ring 123.

[0065] The clamping baffle 127 is set in a bent shape. The clamping baffle 127 is fixed to the side of the front cover plate 121 adjacent to the side where the opening of the insertion slot 126 is located by the bent mounting edge, so that the pressing edge end of the clamping baffle 127 extends to the opening of the insertion slot 126, forming a pressing force on the edge of the opening, and fixing the protective lens 14 in the insertion slot 126. A pressing push block 1271 extending into the insertion groove 126 is provided on the inner side of the pressing edge. The pressing push block 1271 is located on the side of the pressing edge adjacent to the bottom slope 1262 of the insertion groove 126, that is, the side away from the lens sealing ring 123. The side of the pressing push block 1271 facing the lens sealing ring 123 is set as a wedge-shaped surface. When the pressing baffle 127 is fixed on the front cover plate 121, the pressing push block 1271 is located on the side of the protective lens 14 away from the lens sealing ring 123. The wedge-shaped surface of the pressing push block 1271 pushes the protective lens 14, so that the other side of the protective lens 14 is more reliably pressed on the lens sealing ring 123, ensuring a reliable seal between the protective lens 14 and the front cover plate 121.

[0066] Similarly, all mounting holes on the front cover 121 are located on the outside of the lens sealing ring 123 and the front cover sealing ring 1111, so that the mounting holes will not damage the sealing performance of the internal space of the main housing 11.

[0067] In some embodiments of the waterproof melt pool camera of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the waterproof molten pool camera of this application is also provided with a T-shaped connecting plate 5. The T-shaped connecting plate 5 includes a connecting base plate 51 and a vertical mounting plate 52 disposed perpendicular to the connecting base plate 51. The vertical mounting plate 52 is fixedly connected to the middle of the connecting base plate 51. The connecting base plate 51 and the vertical mounting plate 52 can be integrally formed, or they can be formed separately and then fixedly connected together by welding or other connection methods.

[0068] The connecting base plate 51 is fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 13, forming a reliable connection with the mounting plate 13. The imaging unit 2 and the control unit 4 are respectively mounted on opposite sides of the vertical mounting plate 52 and fixed to the mounting plate 13 by the T-shaped connecting plate 5. The arrangement of the imaging unit 2 and the control unit 4 on opposite sides of the vertical mounting plate 52 also ensures balanced force distribution on the T-shaped connecting plate 5, improving the stability of the mounting structure of the imaging unit 2 and the control unit 4.

[0069] In some embodiments of the waterproof melt pool camera of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a GigE interface 112 is provided on the side of the main housing 11 opposite to the imaging aperture 111. GigE Vision is a camera interface developed based on the Gigabit Ethernet communication protocol. It can provide approximately 108Mb of continuous bandwidth and an image transmission distance of over 1000 meters, and has stronger anti-interference performance. The GigE interface 112 is sealed to the main housing 11 and connected to the control unit 4 via a cable, forming a long-distance stable transmission of images acquired by the imaging unit 2.

[0070] The main housing 11 is provided with an explosion-proof hole 113, which is covered by an elastic sealing sheet 114. Since the interior of the main housing 11 is a sealed chamber, the pressure inside the sealed chamber will increase when the ambient temperature rises. In extreme cases, such as in a fire environment, or if a short circuit or fire occurs in the components inside the sealed chamber, the pressure inside the sealed chamber will increase significantly, causing the housing 1 to explode. The explosion-proof hole 113 can buffer the pressure inside the sealed chamber and provide a warning signal by deforming and protruding the elastic sealing sheet 114 when the pressure increases to a certain level. When the pressure increases to a certain extent, it will rupture the elastic sealing sheet 114, releasing the internal pressure through the explosion-proof hole 113 and preventing the housing 1 from exploding and causing a safety accident.

[0071] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "an embodiment," "specific embodiment," and "preferred embodiment" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this application, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0072] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A waterproof melt pool camera, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (1), an imaging unit (2), an illumination unit (3), and a control unit (4). The housing (1) includes a main housing (11), a front cover (12), and a mounting plate (13). One end of the main housing (11) is provided with an imaging hole (111). The front cover (12) is provided with a protective lens (14). The front cover (12) is fixed at the imaging hole (111) to form a seal on the imaging hole (111). The mounting plate (13) is fixed on the main housing (11) to form a seal between the main housing (11). The imaging unit (2), the illumination unit (3), and the control unit (4) are all located inside the main housing (11). The imaging unit (2) and the illumination unit (3) are both connected to the control unit (4). The imaging unit (2) and the illumination unit (3) are both oriented toward the imaging hole (111) and are adapted to adjust the angle between the imaging direction of the imaging unit (2) and the illumination direction of the illumination unit (3).

2. The waterproof melt pool camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The illumination unit (3) includes two laser illumination plates (31), which are respectively disposed on both sides of the imaging lens (21) of the imaging unit (2) and are adapted to adjust the angle between the illumination direction of the two laser illumination plates (31) and the optical axis direction of the imaging lens (21).

3. The waterproof melt pool camera according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lighting unit (3) further includes two lighting plate mounting brackets (32). The laser lighting plates (31) are respectively fixed on the lighting plate mounting brackets (32). The two lighting plate mounting brackets (32) are respectively installed on the mounting plate (13) at corresponding positions on both sides of the imaging lens (21), so that the lighting direction of the laser lighting plates (31) is deflected toward the optical axis of the imaging lens (21). The lighting plate mounting brackets (32) can adjust the deflection angle installed on the mounting plate (13) so that the lighting direction of the two laser lighting plates (31) intersects the optical axis of the imaging lens (21) at the same position.

4. The waterproof melt pool camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front cover (12) includes a front cover plate (121) and a lens clamping member. The front cover plate (121) is provided with a light-transmitting hole (122) opposite to the imaging hole (111). A lens sealing ring (123) is provided around the light-transmitting hole (122). The protective lens (14) is located at the light-transmitting hole (122) and covers the lens sealing ring (123). The lens clamping member is detachably fixed on the front cover plate (121) and is adapted to push the protective lens (14) to press the lens sealing ring (123) to form a seal between the protective lens (14) and the front cover plate (121).

5. The waterproof melt pool camera according to claim 4, characterized in that, The front cover plate (121) is provided with a limiting groove (124) on the side away from the housing (1). The light-transmitting hole (122) and the lens sealing ring (123) are both provided in the limiting groove (124). The lens clamping component is a clamping frame plate (125). The clamping frame plate (125) is fixed in the limiting groove (124) on the outside of the protective lens (14) and forms a squeeze on the protective lens (14).

6. The waterproof melt pool camera according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting groove (124) has a snap-fit ​​groove (1241) on one side and a frame plate fixing screw hole (1242) on the other side. The clamping frame plate (125) has a snap-fit ​​block (1251) on one side and a frame plate mounting hole (1252) on the other side. The clamping frame plate (125) is inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove (1241) through the snap-fit ​​block (1251) and fixed in the limiting groove (124) by screws passing through the frame plate mounting hole (1252) and screwed into the frame plate fixing screw hole (1242).

7. The waterproof melt pool camera according to claim 4, characterized in that, An insertion groove (126) is provided on one side of the front cover plate (121). The insertion groove (126) passes through the periphery of the light-transmitting hole (122) and is only open on one side of the front cover plate (121). A sealing groove (1261) is provided on the side wall of the insertion groove (126) around the light-transmitting hole (122). A lens sealing ring (123) is provided in the sealing groove (1261). The protective lens (14) can be inserted into the insertion groove (126). The lens clamping member is a clamping baffle (127). The clamping baffle (127) is fixed on the opening side of the insertion groove (126) and can press on the side edge of the protective lens (14).

8. The waterproof melt pool camera according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom portion of the insertion groove (126) on the side opposite to the sealing groove (1261) is provided with a groove bottom slope (1262) extending into the groove, and the inner side of the pressing baffle (127) corresponding to the groove bottom slope (1262) is provided with a pressing push block (1271).

9. The waterproof melt pool camera according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a T-shaped connecting plate (5), which includes a connecting base plate (51) and a vertical mounting plate (52). The vertical mounting plate (52) is fixedly connected to the middle of the connecting base plate (51). The connecting base plate (51) is mounted on the mounting plate (13). The imaging unit (2) and the control unit (4) are respectively mounted on opposite sides of the vertical mounting plate (52).

10. The waterproof melt pool camera according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The main housing (11) is provided with a GigE interface (112) on the side opposite to the imaging hole (111), and the GigE interface (112) is connected to the control unit (4); the main housing (11) is provided with an explosion-proof hole (113), and the explosion-proof hole (113) is covered with an elastic sealing sheet (114).

Images