A field infrared camera

Abstract

This utility model provides an outdoor infrared camera, relating to the field of camera technology. It includes a camera body, a lens, a CMOS sensor, and a filter assembly. The camera body has a light-entry window with a positioning post. The lens is snapped into the light-entry window. The CMOS sensor is located inside the camera body. The filter assembly is located at the light-entry window and includes a lens and a fixing plate. The fixing plate is fixed to the circumferential edge of the lens and has a positioning hole. A locking mechanism is located on the fixing plate and cooperates with the positioning post, including a driving wheel, a ring-shaped driven wheel, and a locking assembly. The driven wheel is kinetically connected to the driving wheel. The driving wheel is rotatably mounted on the fixing plate. The positioning post passes through the positioning hole. The locking assembly surrounds the positioning post. The driven wheel is kinetically connected to the locking assembly. When the driving wheel drives the driven wheel to rotate, the driven wheel drives the locking assembly to clamp the positioning post and also drives the locking assembly away from the positioning post. This utility model can quickly convert an ordinary digital camera into an outdoor infrared camera.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of camera technology, and in particular to an outdoor infrared camera. Background Technology

[0002] Using infrared cameras to photograph wild animals in the wild is a very effective method for monitoring and research. Infrared cameras can record the activities, behavioral patterns and habitat use of animals without disturbing their natural behavior. They are particularly suitable for monitoring species that are active at night or sensitive to human activities.

[0003] Infrared photography is highly dependent on equipment, but dedicated outdoor infrared cameras are expensive and can only be used for infrared shooting. Therefore, modifying ordinary digital cameras has become a new option. The specific procedure involves disassembling the ordinary digital camera, then using a hot air gun to remove the infrared cut-off filter glued to the front of the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor, replacing it with an infrared filter, and finally reassembling it.

[0004] However, this method is relatively complicated to operate and requires a high level of skill from the user. Moreover, when it is necessary to restore the normal shooting function of a regular digital camera, it is necessary to disassemble and reassemble it. Long-term operation of this method can easily cause wear and tear on related parts and affect the image quality of the camera. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a field infrared camera that can quickly convert an ordinary digital camera into a field infrared camera.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] This utility model provides an outdoor infrared camera, including a body, a lens, a CMOS sensor, a filter assembly, and a locking mechanism. The body has a light-entry window with a positioning post. The lens is snapped into the light-entry window. The CMOS sensor is located inside the body to receive light entering through the light-entry window. The filter assembly is located at the light-entry window and includes a lens and a fixing plate. The fixing plate is fixed to the circumferential edge of the lens and has a positioning hole. The locking mechanism is located on the fixing plate and cooperates with the positioning post. The locking mechanism includes a driving wheel, a ring-shaped driven wheel, and a locking assembly. The driven wheel is drivenly connected to the driving wheel. The driving wheel is rotatably mounted on the fixing plate. The positioning post passes through the positioning hole. The locking assembly surrounds the positioning post. The driven wheel is drivenly connected to the locking assembly. When the driving wheel drives the driven wheel to rotate, the driven wheel drives the locking assembly to clamp the positioning post and also drives the locking assembly away from the positioning post.

[0008] In addition, the above-described outdoor infrared camera according to this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:

[0009] Furthermore, the locking assembly includes a fixing ring, multiple locking plates, and an arc-shaped connecting plate. The fixing ring is fixed on the fixing plate and located on the inner ring of the driven wheel. The fixing ring, the driven wheel, and the positioning hole are coaxially arranged. The multiple locking plates are evenly distributed along the periphery of the inner ring of the driven wheel. One end of the arc-shaped connecting plate is rotatably connected to the driven wheel, and the other end of the arc-shaped connecting plate is rotatably connected to the locking plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the driving wheel and the driven wheel are meshed together.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixed plate is provided with a movable cavity, and a circular groove is provided inside the movable cavity. The driven wheel is provided with a slider that cooperates with the circular groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixed plate is provided with a first concave cavity that communicates with the movable cavity, and the active rotating wheel is rotatably disposed in the first concave cavity.

[0013] Furthermore, the fixed plate is provided with a second recess and a through opening. The second recess is located at the bottom of the first recess and is connected to the first recess through the through opening. The middle part of the drive wheel is provided with a plug hole. The size of the plug hole is larger than that of the through opening. A locking rod is slidably inserted into the plug hole. The bottom of the locking rod extends from the through opening into the second recess. A first elastic return member is provided between the bottom of the locking rod and the bottom of the plug hole. A stop block is provided in the second recess. The stop block is provided with a slot. The locking rod is provided with a protrusion that cooperates with the slot.

[0014] Furthermore, a second elastic return element is provided between the driven wheel and the fixed ring.

[0015] Furthermore, a groove matching the filter assembly is provided at the light inlet window, and a positioning post is located at the bottom of the groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the edge of the groove is provided with a bevel.

[0017] Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided between the fixing plate and the edge of the groove.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model include at least the following: when a regular camera is modified into an outdoor infrared camera, it is only necessary to first position and engage the filter assembly with the positioning post set at the light inlet window, and then lock the connection between the positioning post and the fixing plate of the filter assembly through the locking mechanism. When replacing the lens, the connection between the positioning post and the fixing plate of the filter assembly can be released through the locking mechanism. The whole process does not require the use of other tools, making the operation convenient and quick. Moreover, it does not require disassembling other parts of the camera, thus avoiding the impact of wear and tear on the imaging quality of the camera. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an outdoor infrared camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing plate according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0024] Body 100, light inlet window 110, positioning post 111, movable cavity 120, first concave cavity 130, second concave cavity 140, stop block 141, slot 142, through opening 150, groove 160, circular slide 121, lens 200, CMOS sensor 300, filter assembly 400, lens 410, fixing plate 420, positioning hole 421, locking mechanism 500, active rotating wheel 510, insertion hole 511, locking rod 512, first elastic return element 513, protrusion 514, driven rotating wheel 520, slider 521, engaging assembly 530, fixing ring 531, locking plate 532, arc-shaped connecting plate 533, second elastic return element 540;

[0025] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of this utility model are shown in the drawings. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this utility model will be more thorough and complete.

[0027] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] Specifically, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The present invention provides an outdoor infrared camera, comprising a body 100, a lens 200, a CMOS sensor 300, a filter assembly 400, and a locking mechanism 500.

[0030] Specifically, the camera body 100 is provided with a light-entry window 110, which has a positioning post 111. The lens 200 is snapped onto the light-entry window 110 to facilitate the replacement of lenses of different specifications. The CMOS sensor 300 is located inside the camera body 100. When light is projected onto the CMOS sensor 300 through the light-entry window 110, photons are absorbed by the photosensitive element in the CMOS sensor and converted into electrons. These electrons are stored in the capacitor of each pixel. Then, by reading the charge of each pixel line by line and converting it into a digital signal, a complete image can be generated. It should be noted that the spectral response range of the CMOS sensor 300 is in the visible light and near-infrared bands, that is, the wavelength is between 400 nanometers and 1100 nanometers, which means that the CMOS sensor 300 can receive not only visible light but also infrared light.

[0031] To achieve the function of filtering infrared or visible light, a filter assembly 400 is provided at the light-inlet window 110. When filtering infrared light, the filter assembly 400 with infrared filtering function is selected; similarly, when filtering visible light, the filter assembly 400 with visible light filtering function is selected. Specifically, the filter assembly 400 includes a lens 410 and a fixing plate 420, with the fixing plate 420 fixed to the circumferential edge of the lens 410. The fixing plate 420 is provided with a positioning hole 421. When assembling the filter assembly 400, the positioning pin 111 is inserted into the positioning hole 421, thus positioning the lens 410.

[0032] The locking mechanism 500 is mounted on the fixed plate 420 and cooperates with the positioning post 421. The locking mechanism 500 includes a driving wheel 510, an annular driven wheel 520, and a locking assembly 530. The driven wheel 520 is drivenly connected to the driving wheel 510. The driving wheel 510 is rotatably mounted on the fixed plate 510, so that when the driving wheel 510 rotates, it drives the driven wheel 520 to rotate together. The locking assembly 530 surrounds the positioning post 111, and the driven wheel 520 is drivenly connected to the locking assembly 530. When the driving wheel 510 drives the driven wheel 520 to rotate, the driven wheel 520 drives the locking assembly 530 to clamp the positioning post 111. At this time, the filter assembly 400 is stably fixed at the light-entry window 110, ensuring that the relative position of the lens 410 and the CMOS sensor 300 is fixed. When the filter assembly 400 is removed, the active rotating wheel 510 drives the driven rotating wheel 520 to rotate in the opposite direction. The driven rotating wheel 520 drives the locking assembly 530 away from the positioning post 111, and then the positioning post 111 is separated from the positioning hole 421.

[0033] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the engaging assembly 530 includes a fixing ring 531, multiple locking plates 532, and an arc-shaped connecting plate 533. The fixing ring 531 is fixed on the fixing plate 510 and is located on the inner ring of the driven wheel 520. The fixing ring 531, the driven wheel 520, and the positioning hole 421 are coaxially arranged. The multiple locking plates 532 are evenly distributed along the periphery of the inner ring of the driven wheel 520. One end of the arc-shaped connecting plate 533 is rotatably connected to the driven wheel 520, and the other end of the arc-shaped connecting plate 533 is rotatably connected to the locking plate 532. When the active rotating wheel 510 drives the driven rotating wheel 520 to rotate, the driven rotating wheel 520 drives the clamping plate 532 to rotate relative to the fixing ring 531 through the arc-shaped connecting plate 533. This causes the clamping plates 532 to move closer together and clamp the positioning post 111. At this time, the filter assembly 400 is stably fixed at the light inlet window 110, ensuring that the relative position of the lens 410 and the CMOS sensor 300 is fixed. When the filter assembly 400 is removed, the active rotating wheel 510 drives the driven rotating wheel 520 to rotate in the opposite direction. The driven rotating wheel 520 drives the clamping plate 532 to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the fixing ring 531 through the arc-shaped connecting plate 533. This causes the clamping plates 532 to move away from each other and release the clamping state of the positioning post 111. Then, the positioning post 111 can be separated from the positioning hole 421.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the driving wheel 510 and the driven wheel 520 are meshed together, that is, teeth are provided on the driving wheel 510 and the driven wheel 520, and the transmission connection is completed by the meshing of the teeth of the two parts.

[0035] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the fixed plate 420 has a movable cavity 120, and the movable cavity 120 has a circular groove 121. The driven wheel 520 has a slider 521 that mates with the circular groove 121. During assembly, the slider 521 is inserted into the circular groove 121, so that when the slider 521 slides in the circular groove 121, the driven wheel 520 can rotate in the movable cavity 120.

[0036] In some alternative embodiments, to prevent the active rotating wheel 510 from protruding from the surface of the fixed plate 420, such as Figure 4 As shown, the fixed plate 420 has a first recess 130 communicating with the movable cavity 120. The driving wheel 510 is rotatably disposed within the first recess 130, thus preventing the protruding driving wheel 510 from affecting the transmission of light. Optionally, a circular groove can be provided in the first recess 130, and a slider that cooperates with the circular groove can be provided on the driven wheel 520. In this way, when the slider slides in the circular groove, the driving wheel 510 can rotate within the first recess 130.

[0037] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the fixing plate 420 is provided with a second recess 140, which is located at the bottom of the first recess 130. A through opening 150 is provided between the second recess 140 and the first recess 130. The middle part of the drive wheel 510 is provided with a plug hole 511. The size of the plug hole 511 is larger than the through opening 150. A locking rod 512 is slidably inserted into the plug hole 511. At this time, the locking rod 512 can only slide up and down in the plug hole 511. The size of one end of the locking rod 512 is adapted to the size of the plug hole 511, and the size of the other end of the locking rod 512 is adapted to the size of the through opening 150. In this way, the bottom of the locking rod 512 can extend from the through opening 150 into the second recess 140. A first elastic return member 513 is provided between the bottom of the locking rod 512 and the bottom of the insertion hole 511. A stop block 141 is provided in the second cavity 140. A slot 142 is provided on the stop block 141. A protrusion 514 that cooperates with the slot 142 is provided on the locking rod 512.

[0038] In this embodiment, before rotating the active rotating wheel 510, the locking rod 512 protrudes from the surface of the fixing plate 420 under the action of the first elastic return member 513, so as to facilitate the screwing of the locking rod 512. When the locking rod 512 is rotated, since the locking rod 512 is inserted into the insertion hole 511, the locking rod 512 drives the active rotating wheel 510 to rotate together until the protrusion 514 on the locking rod 512 is blocked by the stop block 141. At this time, the locking rod 512 is pressed to a certain depth, and then the locking rod 512 is rotated slightly. After the pressing of the locking rod 512 is stopped, the protrusion 514 is limited in the slot 142. Due to the elastic action of the first elastic return member 513, the protrusion 514 will be tightly limited in the slot 142. At this time, the pressed end of the locking rod 512 is located in the second concave cavity 140, which avoids the protruding locking rod 512 from affecting the transmission of light.

[0039] In some optional embodiments, to facilitate quick release of the limiting state between the protrusion 514 and the slot 142, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a second elastic return member 540 is provided between the driven wheel 520 and the fixed ring 531. When the locking rod 512 is turned until the protrusion 514 is limited in the slot 142, the second elastic return member 540 provides directional resistance. Thus, when the protrusion 514 just disengages from the slot 142, the locking rod 512 rotates in the opposite direction under the action of the second elastic return member 540 until the locking rod 512 returns to its initial state.

[0040] In some alternative embodiments, to prevent the filter assembly 400 from protruding from the surface of the mounting plate and thus affecting light transmission, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a groove 160 matching the filter assembly 400 is provided at the light inlet window 110, and a positioning post 111 is located at the bottom of the groove 160. In use, the filter assembly 400 is snapped into the groove 160.

[0041] In some alternative embodiments, to facilitate quick removal of the filter assembly 400 when the locking mechanism 500 is not locking the positioning post 111, a bevel is provided at the edge of the groove 160 (not shown in the figures).

[0042] In some alternative embodiments, a sealing ring (not shown in the figures) is provided between the edge of the fixing plate 420 and the groove 150 to prevent moisture or water from entering the interior of the body 100 and causing electrical failure.

[0043] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., 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 the present invention. In this specification, 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.

[0044] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the scope of protection of this utility model should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A field infrared camera, characterized in that, The field infrared camera includes: The fuselage is equipped with a light-inlet window, and the light-inlet window is equipped with a positioning post; The lens is mounted on the light-inlet window; A CMOS sensor, located inside the housing, is used to receive light entering through the light inlet window; A filter assembly is disposed at the light inlet window. The filter assembly includes a lens and a fixing plate. The fixing plate is fixed to the circumferential edge of the lens and is provided with a positioning hole. A locking mechanism is provided on the fixed plate and cooperates with the positioning post. The locking mechanism includes a driving wheel, an annular driven wheel, and a locking assembly. The driven wheel is throttledly connected to the driving wheel. The driving wheel is rotatably mounted on the fixed plate. The positioning post passes through the positioning hole. The locking assembly surrounds the positioning post. The driven wheel is throttledly connected to the locking assembly. Specifically, when the driving wheel drives the driven wheel to rotate, the driven wheel drives the engaging assembly to clamp the positioning post and drives the engaging assembly away from the positioning post.

2. The field infrared camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engagement assembly includes: A fixing ring is fixed to the fixing plate and located on the inner ring of the driven wheel. The fixing ring, the driven wheel, and the positioning hole are coaxially arranged. Multiple clamping plates are evenly distributed along the periphery of the inner ring of the driven wheel; An arc-shaped connecting plate, one end of which is rotatably connected to the driven rotating wheel, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the clamping plate.

3. The field infrared camera according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The driving wheel and the driven wheel are engaged and connected.

4. The field infrared camera according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixed plate is provided with a movable cavity, and a circular groove is provided inside the movable cavity. The driven wheel is provided with a slider that cooperates with the circular groove.

5. The field infrared camera according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixed plate is provided with a first concave cavity that communicates with the movable cavity, and the active rotating wheel is rotatably disposed in the first concave cavity.

6. The field infrared camera according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixed plate is provided with a second recess and a through opening. The second recess is located at the bottom of the first recess and communicates with the first recess through the through opening. The middle part of the drive wheel is provided with a plug hole. The size of the plug hole is larger than that of the through opening. A locking rod is slidably inserted into the plug hole. The bottom of the locking rod extends from the through opening into the second recess. A first elastic return member is provided between the bottom of the locking rod and the bottom of the plug hole. A stop block is provided in the second recess. The stop block is provided with a slot. The locking rod is provided with a protrusion that cooperates with the slot.

7. The field infrared camera according to claim 6, characterized in that, A second elastic return element is provided between the driven wheel and the fixed ring.

8. The field infrared camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-inlet window is provided with a groove that matches the filter assembly, and the positioning post is located at the bottom of the groove.

9. The field infrared camera according to claim 8, characterized in that, The groove has a beveled edge.

10. The field infrared camera according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, A sealing ring is provided between the fixing plate and the edge of the groove.

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