Connection assembly and image acquisition device

Abstract

A connecting component and an image acquisition device include a first connector, a second connector, and a collar. The first connector has a ball joint groove with an opening and a first positioning structure. The second connector has a ball joint portion with multiple second positioning structures that are ball-fitted into the ball joint groove through the opening. One of these second positioning structures is positioned relative to the first positioning structure. The ball joint portion is adapted to rotate relative to the ball joint groove to position another of the second positioning structures relative to the first positioning structure. The diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the ball joint portion, and the center of the ball joint portion is located within the ball joint groove. The collar is fitted onto the ball joint groove to prevent the first positioning structure from disengaging from its corresponding second positioning structure and to prevent the ball joint portion from disengaging from the ball joint groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a connecting component and an image acquisition device, and more particularly to a spherical universal connecting component and an image acquisition device using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Ball joints have a wide range of applications, commonly used in devices such as dashcams, surveillance cameras, and camera tripods. Currently, the ball joint portion of plastic-molded ball joints is mostly manufactured using two-material injection molding, utilizing the friction between the soft rubber on the ball joint portion and the ball groove to fix the rotational orientation of the ball joint. However, the soft rubber material of the ball joint portion is susceptible to damage from sun and rain, leading to deterioration and hardening, which in turn affects the normal operation of the ball joint. Furthermore, the high cost of two-material injection molding molds results in a relatively high unit price for ball joints. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides a connecting component that has better durability and can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0004] This invention provides an image acquisition device whose connecting components have better durability and can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0005] The connecting assembly of this utility model includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a collar. The first connecting member has a ball-joint groove, wherein the ball-joint groove has an opening and a first positioning structure. The second connecting member has a ball-joint portion, wherein the ball-joint portion has multiple second positioning structures that are ball-jointed to the ball-joint groove through the opening. One of these second positioning structures is positioned relative to the first positioning structure. The ball-joint portion is adapted to rotate relative to the ball-joint groove so that another of these second positioning structures is positioned relative to the first positioning structure. The diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the ball-joint portion, and the center of the ball-joint portion is located within the ball-joint groove. The collar is fitted onto the ball-joint groove to prevent the first positioning structure from disengaging from the corresponding second positioning structure and to prevent the ball-joint portion from disengaging from the ball-joint groove.

[0006] In one embodiment of this utility model, the first positioning structure is a convex structure, and each of the second positioning structures is a concave structure.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ball joint groove includes a base and an elastic part. The elastic part is connected to the base and has an opening. A collar is fitted onto the elastic part to prevent the opening from enlarging due to the elastic deformation of the elastic part. When the collar is separated from the ball joint groove, the ball joint is adapted to resist the elastic force of the elastic part and expand the opening to enter or leave the ball joint groove.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic part includes a plurality of spring pieces, which are disposed at intervals on the base, and the opening is formed by the ends of the spring pieces together.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ball joint groove includes a base and an elastic part. The elastic part is connected to the base and has an opening. A collar is sleeved on the elastic part so that the elastic part presses against the ball joint and fixes the first positioning structure and the corresponding second positioning structure to each other.

[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, the ball joint groove has an external thread, and the collar has an internal thread, with the internal thread engaging with the external thread.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ball receiving groove has a concave arc surface, and the first positioning structure is located at the center of the concave arc surface.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second connector has a rod portion, the ball joint portion has two opposing ends, the rod portion is connected to one of the two ends, and the second positioning structures are located at the other of the two ends.

[0013] In one embodiment of this utility model, the minimum inner diameter of the collar is greater than the diameter of the ball joint.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned collar includes a sleeve portion and an inner edge portion. The sleeve portion is sleeved on the ball joint groove portion, and the inner edge portion is connected to the sleeve portion and overlaps the ball joint groove portion along the central axis of the ball joint groove portion.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ball joint groove has an outer conical surface, and the collar has an inner conical surface, with the inner conical surface abutting against the outer conical surface.

[0016] The image acquisition device of this utility model includes a base, an image acquisition unit, and a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a collar. The first connector is connected to one of the base and the image acquisition unit and has a ball joint groove, wherein the ball joint groove has an opening and a first positioning structure. The second connector is connected to the other of the base and the image acquisition unit and has a ball joint portion, wherein the ball joint portion has multiple second positioning structures that ball-joint with the ball joint groove through the opening. One of these second positioning structures is positioned with the first positioning structure. The ball joint portion is adapted to rotate relative to the ball joint groove portion so that another of these second positioning structures is positioned with the first positioning structure. The diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the ball joint portion, and the center of the ball joint portion is located within the ball joint groove portion. The collar is fitted onto the ball joint groove portion to prevent the first positioning structure from disengaging from the corresponding second positioning structure and to prevent the ball joint portion from disengaging from the ball joint groove portion.

[0017] In one embodiment of this utility model, the first positioning structure is a convex structure, and each of the second positioning structures is a concave structure.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ball joint groove includes a base and an elastic part. The elastic part is connected to the base and has an opening. A collar is fitted onto the elastic part to prevent the opening from enlarging due to the elastic deformation of the elastic part. When the collar is separated from the ball joint groove, the ball joint is adapted to resist the elastic force of the elastic part and expand the opening to enter or leave the ball joint groove.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic part includes a plurality of spring pieces, which are disposed at intervals on the base, and the opening is formed by the ends of the spring pieces together.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ball joint groove includes a base and an elastic part. The elastic part is connected to the base and has an opening. A collar is sleeved on the elastic part so that the elastic part presses against the ball joint and fixes the first positioning structure and the corresponding second positioning structure to each other.

[0021] In one embodiment of this utility model, the ball joint groove has an external thread, and the collar has an internal thread, with the internal thread engaging with the external thread.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ball receiving groove has a concave arc surface, and the first positioning structure is located at the center of the concave arc surface.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second connector has a rod portion, a ball joint portion has two opposing ends, the rod portion is connected to one of the two ends, and the second positioning structures are located at the other of the two ends.

[0024] In one embodiment of this utility model, the minimum inner diameter of the collar is greater than the diameter of the ball joint.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned collar includes a sleeve portion and an inner edge portion. The sleeve portion is sleeved on the ball joint groove portion, and the inner edge portion is connected to the sleeve portion and overlaps the ball joint groove portion along the central axis of the ball joint groove portion.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ball joint groove has an outer conical surface, and the collar has an inner conical surface, with the inner conical surface abutting against the outer conical surface.

[0027] Based on the above, in the connecting assembly of this utility model, the ball joint portion and the ball groove portion are positioned relative to each other by a first positioning structure and a second positioning structure, and the collar fitted onto the ball groove portion prevents the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure from disengaging, thereby firmly fixing the rotational position of the connecting assembly. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to manufacture the ball joint portion using two-material injection molding to utilize the friction between the soft rubber on the ball joint portion and the ball groove portion to fix the rotational position. This avoids the ball joint portion from easily deteriorating and hardening due to the inclusion of soft rubber material, and also avoids the high unit price of the connecting assembly due to the high cost of two-material injection molding molds. Therefore, the connecting assembly of this utility model has better durability and reduces manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an image acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the image acquisition device.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the collar and the second connector.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the first connector.

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the image acquisition device.

[0033] Figures 6A to 6E Draw Figure 1 The assembly process of the image acquisition device and its connecting components.

[0034] Figure 7 Draw Figure 6C Partial structure of the image acquisition device.

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 6E A three-dimensional view of a partial structure of the image acquisition device.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 100: Image acquisition device

[0038] 110: base body

[0039] 120: Image Acquisition Unit

[0040] 130: Connecting component

[0041] 132: First connector

[0042] 1321: Ball joint groove

[0043] 1321a: Opening

[0044] 1321b: First positioning structure

[0045] 1321c: Shrapnel

[0046] 134: Second connector

[0047] 1341: Ball joint

[0048] 1341a: Second positioning structure

[0049] 1342: Pole section

[0050] 136: Ring

[0051] 1361: Set-up Department

[0052] 1362: Inner edge

[0053] 1363: Inclined extension

[0054] A: Central axis

[0055] B: Base

[0056] C: Center

[0057] D1, D2: Direction

[0058] d1, d2: Diameter

[0059] d3: inner diameter

[0060] E1, E2: Ends

[0061] P: Elastic part

[0062] S: Concave surface

[0063] T1: External thread

[0064] T2: Internal thread

[0065] TS1: Inner conical surface

[0066] TS2: Outer conical surface Detailed Implementation

[0067] It should be noted that in the descriptions of the various embodiments, the terms "first" and "second" are used to describe different elements, and these elements are not limited by such predicates. Furthermore, for ease of explanation and clarity, the thickness or dimensions of the elements in the drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or approximated for the understanding and reading of those skilled in the art. The dimensions of each element are not exactly their actual dimensions and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model; therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effects and objectives achieved by this utility model, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this utility model. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar elements in all the drawings.

[0068] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an image acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the image acquisition device. Please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image acquisition device 100 of this embodiment includes a base 110, an image acquisition unit 120, and a connecting component 130. The connecting component 130 is, for example, a ball joint and includes a first connector 132, a second connector 134, and a collar 136. The first connector 132 is connected to the base 110, and the second connector 134 is connected to the image acquisition unit 120. The first connector 132 and the second connector 134 are ball-jointed, allowing the shooting position of the image acquisition unit 120 to be adjusted by rotating the second connector 134 relative to the first connector 132. In this embodiment, the image acquisition unit 120 is, for example, a surveillance camera, and the base 110 is, for example, disc-shaped and can be fixed to a wall or other suitable fixing structure; however, this invention is not limited to these limitations. In other embodiments, the image acquisition unit 120 can be an action camera, a dashcam, or other similar device. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the first connector 132 may be connected to the image acquisition unit 120, and the second connector 134 may be connected to the base 110.

[0069] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the collar and the second connector. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the first connector. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the image acquisition device. Please refer to... Figures 3 to 5In this embodiment, the first connector 132 has a ball joint groove 1321, which has an opening 1321a and a first positioning structure 1321b. The second connector 134 is made of, for example, a single plastic material and has a ball joint portion 1341 and a rod portion 1342. The ball joint portion 1341 has two opposing ends E1 and E2, and the rod portion 1342 is connected to end E2 of the ball joint portion 1341 and, as shown... Figure 5 The image acquisition unit 120 is shown. The ball joint portion 1341 has multiple second positioning structures 1341a and is ball-connected to the ball joint groove portion 1321 through an opening 1321a. One of these second positioning structures 1341a is positioned on a first positioning structure 1321b, and the ball joint portion 1341 is rotatable relative to the ball joint groove portion 1321 so that any of the remaining second positioning structures 1341a is positioned on the first positioning structure 1321b.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the diameter d1 of the opening 1321a of the ball joint 1321 is smaller than the diameter d2 of the ball joint 1341, and the center C of the ball joint 1341 is located within the ball joint 1321, so that the ball joint 1341 is confined within the ball joint 1321. A collar 136 is fitted onto the ball joint 1321 to prevent the first positioning structure 1321b from disengaging from the corresponding second positioning structure 1341a and to prevent the ball joint 1341 from disengaging from the ball joint 1321.

[0071] In some embodiments, in the natural state of the ball joint groove 1321 (i.e., when the collar 136 is not fitted onto the ball joint groove 1321), the diameter d1 of the opening 1321a may be greater than or equal to the diameter d2 of the ball joint 1341, and the present invention does not limit this. With this arrangement, after the collar 136 is fitted onto and locked into the ball joint groove 1321, the ball joint groove 1321 is compressed by the collar 136, causing elastic deformation that reduces the size of the opening 1321a. Therefore, the diameter d1 of the opening 1321a is smaller than the diameter d2 of the ball joint 1341, allowing the ball joint 1341 to be compressed by the ball joint groove 1321 and / or the collar 136 without detaching from the ball joint groove 1321.

[0072] As described above, in the connecting assembly 130 of this embodiment, the ball joint portion 1341 and the ball groove portion 1321 are positioned relative to each other by the first positioning structure 1321b and the second positioning structure 1341a. The collar 136 fitted onto the ball groove portion 1321 prevents the first positioning structure 1321b and the second positioning structure 1341a from disengaging, thus securely fixing the rotational orientation of the connecting assembly 130. Accordingly, it is not necessary to manufacture the ball joint portion using two-material injection molding to fix the rotational orientation by utilizing the friction between the soft rubber on the ball joint portion and the ball groove portion. Therefore, the ball joint portion is less prone to hardening due to the presence of soft rubber material, and the high cost of two-material injection molding molds can be avoided, preventing excessively high unit prices for the connecting assembly. Therefore, the connecting assembly 130 of this embodiment has better durability and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0073] The detailed structure of the connection component 130 in this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0074] The ball joint groove 1321 in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 4 The diagram shows a concave arc surface S, with the first positioning structure 1321b located, for example, at the center of the concave arc surface S. However, this invention is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the first positioning structure 1321b can be positioned at any location on the concave arc surface S as needed. In this embodiment, the first positioning structure 1321b is, for example, a convex structure, and each of the second positioning structures 1341a is, for example, a concave structure. However, this invention is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the first positioning structure 1321b can be a concave structure, and each of the second positioning structures 1341a can be a convex structure. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the number of first positioning structures 1321b can be multiple, so that multiple first positioning structures 1321b can simultaneously position multiple second positioning structures 1341a.

[0075] In this embodiment, these second positioning structures 1341a are formed, for example, at intervals around the end E1 of the ball joint 1341, on the surface of the ball joint 1341 near the end E1. The spacing of these second positioning structures 1341a in different directions can be determined as needed to allow the ball joint 1341 to be oriented with appropriate angular differences in different rotational directions. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the distribution range of these second positioning structures 1341a can be larger, for example, extending from the end E1 of the ball joint 1341 to cover approximately half of the surface of the ball joint 1341, or covering the entire surface of the ball joint 1341; this invention is not limited to this.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, the ball joint groove 1321 includes a base B and an elastic portion P. The base B is, for example, cylindrical and connected to the base 110 (shown in the figure). Figure 1The elastic portion P is connected to the base B, and the opening 1321a is formed in the elastic portion P and is circular. Specifically, in this embodiment, the elastic portion P includes multiple grooves to form multiple spring pieces 1321c. These spring pieces 1321c are spaced apart from each other in the base B through these grooves. The opening 1321a is formed by the ends of these spring pieces 1321c. Each spring piece 1321c is arc-shaped, and the inner surface of each spring piece 1321c constitutes part of the concave arc surface S of the ball joint groove 1321. The length of each spring piece 1321c may be greater than or equal to the radius of the ball joint 1341, so that the center C of the ball joint 1341 is located within the ball joint groove 1321 as described above. (The text then mentions a collar 136, but this seems unrelated to the main point about the elastic portion P and the ball joint groove 1321.) Figure 1 The collar 136 is fitted onto the elastic portion P to prevent the opening 1321a from enlarging due to the elastic deformation of the elastic portion P. When the collar 136 separates from the ball joint 1321, the ball joint 1341 is adapted to resist the elastic force of the elastic portion P and expand the opening 1321a to enter or leave the ball joint 1321.

[0077] In this embodiment, the collar 136 is engaged with the ball joint groove 1321 by means of screwing. Specifically, the ball joint groove 1321 is as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 The spring 1321c shown has an external thread T1, which is formed, for example, on the outer surface of these springs 1321c. The collar 136, as shown... Figure 3 and Figure 5 The diagram shows an internal thread T2 that engages with an external thread T1. In other embodiments, the collar 136 may be engaged with the ball joint groove 1321 by other suitable means, and this invention is not limited thereto.

[0078] In this embodiment, the collar 136 is as follows: Figure 5The device includes a sleeve portion 1361, an inner edge portion 1362, and an inclined extension portion 1363. The inclined extension portion 1363 is, for example, annular and connects the sleeve portion 1361 and the inner edge portion 1362. The sleeve portion 1361 is, for example, annular and sleeved on the elastic portion P of the ball joint groove portion 1321. An internal thread T2 is formed in the sleeve portion 1361 and can be screwed onto the external thread T1 on the elastic portion P. The inner edge portion 1362 is, for example, annular and overlaps the spring piece 1321c of the ball joint groove portion 1321 along the central axis A of the ball joint groove portion 1321. Furthermore, the collar 136 has an inner conical surface TS1 inclined to the central axis A in the inclined extension portion 1363, and the ball joint groove portion 1321 has an outer conical surface TS2 inclined to the central axis A at the end of the spring piece 1321c. The inner conical surface TS1 abuts against the outer conical surface TS2. Accordingly, the collar 136 presses the outer conical surface TS2 of the ball joint groove 132 along direction D1 through its inner conical surface TS1, and then applies a compressive force to the ball joint 1341 along direction D2, so that the second positioning structure 1341a of the ball joint 1341 and the first positioning structure 1321b of the ball joint groove 132 are stably positioned relative to each other. That is, the collar 136 is sleeved on the elastic part P so that the elastic part P presses the ball joint 1341 and fixes the first positioning structure 1321b and the corresponding second positioning structure 1341a relative to each other.

[0079] The following describes the assembly method of the image acquisition device 100 and its connecting component 130 in this embodiment.

[0080] Figures 6A to 6E Draw Figure 1 The assembly process of the image acquisition device and its connecting components. Figure 7 Draw Figure 6C Partial structure of the image acquisition device. Figure 8 yes Figure 6E A three-dimensional view of a partial structure of the image acquisition device. First, as... Figures 6A to 6B The ball joint portion 1341 is shown passing through the collar 136. In this embodiment, the minimum inner diameter d3 of the collar 136 at its inner edge 1362 (indicated by...) Figure 5 For example, a diameter d2 larger than the ball joint portion 1341 (indicated by...) Figure 5 This allows the ball joint portion 1341 to smoothly pass through the collar 136. Then, before the collar 136 is engaged with the first connector 132, as... Figure 6C and Figure 7 The spring piece 1321c of the ball joint groove 1321 shown is (indicated in) Figure 4 The elastic force of the ball joint portion 1341 connects the ball to the ball receiving groove portion 1321, causing the first positioning structure 1321b and the second positioning structure 1341a to engage with each other. Figure 6D The image acquisition unit 120 is adjusted to the desired shooting position, as shown. Figure 6Eand Figure 8 As shown, the collar 136 is attached to the ball joint groove 1321 to fix the relative rotational orientation of the ball joint groove 1321 and the ball joint 1341, thus completing the assembly of the image acquisition device 100.

[0081] In summary, in the connecting assembly of this utility model, the ball joint and the ball groove are positioned relative to each other by a first positioning structure and a second positioning structure, and the collar fitted onto the ball groove prevents the first and second positioning structures from disengaging, thus firmly fixing the rotational orientation of the connecting assembly. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to manufacture the ball joint using two-material injection molding to utilize the friction between the soft rubber on the ball joint and the ball groove to fix the rotational orientation. This avoids the ball joint from easily deteriorating and hardening due to the inclusion of soft rubber material, and also avoids the high cost of two-material injection molding, which would otherwise lead to an excessively high unit price for the connecting assembly. Therefore, the connecting assembly of this utility model has better durability and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0082] Although the technical content of this utility model has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit this utility model. Any modifications and refinements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this utility model should be included within the scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model shall be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connecting component, characterized in that, include: The first connector has a ball receiving groove, wherein the ball receiving groove has an opening and a first positioning structure; A second connector has a ball joint portion, wherein the ball joint portion has a plurality of second positioning structures and is ball-fitted to the ball receiving groove portion through the opening, one of the plurality of second positioning structures is positioned on a first positioning structure, the ball joint portion is adapted to rotate relative to the ball receiving groove portion so that another of the plurality of second positioning structures is positioned on the first positioning structure, the diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the ball joint portion, and the center of the ball joint portion is located within the ball receiving groove portion; and A collar is fitted onto the ball joint groove to prevent the first positioning structure from disengaging from the corresponding second positioning structure and to prevent the ball joint from disengaging from the ball joint groove.

2. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first positioning structure is a convex structure, and each of the second positioning structures is a concave structure.

3. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ball joint includes a base and an elastic part. The elastic part is connected to the base and has the opening. The collar is sleeved on the elastic part to prevent the opening from enlarging due to the elastic deformation of the elastic part. When the collar is separated from the ball joint, the ball joint is adapted to resist the elastic force of the elastic part and expand the opening to enter or leave the ball joint.

4. The connection component as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic portion includes a plurality of spring pieces, which are spaced apart from each other on the base, and the opening is formed by the ends of the plurality of spring pieces.

5. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ball joint groove includes a base and an elastic part. The elastic part is connected to the base and has the opening. The collar is sleeved on the elastic part so that the elastic part presses against the ball joint and fixes the first positioning structure and the corresponding second positioning structure to each other.

6. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ball joint groove has an external thread, and the collar has an internal thread, which engages with the external thread.

7. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ball receiving groove has a concave arc surface, and the first positioning structure is located at the center of the concave arc surface.

8. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector has a rod portion, the ball joint portion has two opposing ends, the rod portion is connected to one of the two ends, and the plurality of second positioning structures are located at the other of the two ends.

9. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The minimum inner diameter of the collar is greater than the diameter of the ball joint.

10. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The collar includes a sleeve portion and an inner edge portion. The sleeve portion is sleeved on the ball joint groove portion, and the inner edge portion is connected to the sleeve portion and overlaps the ball joint groove portion along the central axis of the ball joint groove portion.

11. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ball joint groove has an outer conical surface, and the collar has an inner conical surface, with the inner conical surface abutting against the outer conical surface.

12. An image acquisition device, characterized in that, include: seat body; Image acquisition unit; as well as Connection components, including: A first connector is connected to one of the base and the image acquisition unit and has a ball joint groove, wherein the ball joint groove has an opening and a first positioning structure. A second connector, connected to one of the base and the image acquisition unit, has a ball joint portion, wherein the ball joint portion has a plurality of second positioning structures and ball-fits the ball joint groove portion through the opening, one of the plurality of second positioning structures is positioned on a first positioning structure, the ball joint portion is adapted to rotate relative to the ball joint groove portion so that another of the plurality of second positioning structures is positioned on the first positioning structure, the diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the ball joint portion, and the center of the ball joint portion is located within the ball joint groove portion; and A collar is fitted onto the ball joint groove to prevent the first positioning structure from disengaging from the corresponding second positioning structure and to prevent the ball joint from disengaging from the ball joint groove.

13. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The first positioning structure is a concave structure, and each of the second positioning structures is a concave structure.

14. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The ball joint includes a base and an elastic part. The elastic part is connected to the base and has the opening. The collar is sleeved on the elastic part to prevent the opening from enlarging due to the elastic deformation of the elastic part. When the collar is separated from the ball joint, the ball joint is adapted to resist the elastic force of the elastic part and expand the opening to enter or leave the ball joint.

15. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The elastic portion includes a plurality of spring pieces, which are spaced apart from each other on the base, and the opening is formed by the ends of the plurality of spring pieces.

16. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The ball joint groove includes a base and an elastic part. The elastic part is connected to the base and has the opening. The collar is sleeved on the elastic part so that the elastic part presses against the ball joint and fixes the first positioning structure and the corresponding second positioning structure to each other.

17. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The ball joint groove has an external thread, and the collar has an internal thread, which engages with the external thread.

18. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The ball receiving groove has a concave arc surface, and the first positioning structure is located at the center of the concave arc surface.

19. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second connector has a rod portion, the ball joint portion has two opposing ends, the rod portion is connected to one of the two ends, and the plurality of second positioning structures are located at the other of the two ends.

20. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The minimum inner diameter of the collar is greater than the diameter of the ball joint.

21. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The collar includes a sleeve portion and an inner edge portion. The sleeve portion is sleeved on the ball joint groove portion, and the inner edge portion is connected to the sleeve portion and overlaps the ball joint groove portion along the central axis of the ball joint groove portion.

22. The image acquisition apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The ball joint groove has an outer conical surface, and the collar has an inner conical surface, with the inner conical surface abutting against the outer conical surface.

Images