Modular camera
The modular design of the camera frame and plate structure solves the problem of existing cameras being unable to be disassembled, enabling convenient replacement and expansion of the camera's appearance and functions, and improving maintenance convenience and functional expandability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHILUN TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing camera designs are fixed structures that cannot be disassembled, which limits camera development and functional expansion.
A modular camera was designed, comprising a detachable frame and plate structure. The camera module and plate are detachably connected via a movable slot and a receiving slot, supporting the expansion function of the user identity module card, thus enhancing the camera's detachability and functional expandability.
It enables convenient replacement of camera appearance and expansion of functions, improves maintenance convenience, and meets the advanced needs of camera applications.
Smart Images
Figure CN224385589U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a modular camera, and more particularly to a modular camera with a detachable plate. Background Technology
[0002] Existing cameras mostly use a fixed structural design for their frame and front and rear panels. However, existing cameras are already standardized (e.g., the front and rear panels cannot be disassembled) and have not been continuously improved, which has limited the development of existing cameras.
[0003] Therefore, the inventor believed that the above-mentioned defects could be improved. So he devoted himself to research and combined with the application of scientific principles, and finally proposed a utility model with a reasonable design that effectively improves the above-mentioned defects. Utility Model Content
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a modular camera to address the shortcomings of the prior art.
[0005] This utility model discloses a modular camera, characterized in that the modular camera includes: a frame comprising: two side walls, each having a first end and a second end away from the first end, the width of each side wall gradually increasing from the first end to the second end; a top wall, with both ends connected to the first ends of the two side walls; and a bottom wall, with both ends connected to the second ends of the two side walls, the bottom wall being parallel to the top wall, and the width of the bottom wall being greater than the width of the top wall; wherein, the inner edge of the frame is recessed to form two movable grooves and a receiving groove located between the two movable grooves; a first plate detachably disposed in one of the movable grooves; a second plate detachably disposed in the other movable groove; and a camera module detachably disposed in the receiving groove and located between the first plate and the second plate.
[0006] Optionally, the camera module includes a circuit board and a user identity module card connector disposed on the circuit board; the modular camera further includes a user identity module card, which is detachably disposed on the user identity module card connector and electrically coupled to the camera module; wherein the user identity module card includes at least one functional unit for execution by the camera module.
[0007] Optionally, at least one of the photographic function units is selected from one of the color adjustment function unit, time-limited recording function unit, time-lapse recording unit, filter function unit, and size adjustment function unit.
[0008] Optionally, the user identity module card is selected from one of the following: standard size user identity module card, mini user identity module card, micro user identity module card, nano user identity module card, and embedded user identity module card.
[0009] Optionally, the two movable slots and the receiving slot are each annular and disposed along the inner edge of the top wall, the inner edge of the bottom wall, and the inner edge of the two side walls; wherein, one of the side walls includes two receiving spaces communicating with the receiving slot and the two movable slots, and the other side wall includes a communicating space communicating with the receiving slot and one of the movable slots.
[0010] Optionally, the camera module further includes a universal serial bus connector disposed on a circuit board and a video recording control unit disposed on the circuit board; one of the sidewalls forms a plug-in partially located within one of the accommodating spaces, and the other sidewall forms a through hole simultaneously located within the accommodating slot and the communicating space; wherein the position of the plug-in corresponds to the position of the universal serial bus connector, and the position of the through hole corresponds to the position of the video recording control unit.
[0011] Optionally, the modular camera further includes a throttle through the perforation, and the throttle is disposed and electrically coupled to the interface of the video recording control unit, and the throttle is rotatable relative to the interface.
[0012] Optionally, the interface is a 3.5 mm interface, and the throttle is detachably mounted on the interface with a 3.5 mm connector.
[0013] Optionally, the inner edge of the receiving groove further has a plurality of positioning ports, and the side of the camera module has a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the plurality of positioning ports; wherein the plurality of protrusions are fitted into the positioning ports.
[0014] Optionally, the modular camera further includes a buckle extending from the frame, the buckle being connected to the top wall and one of the side walls respectively.
[0015] In summary, the modular camera disclosed in this utility model embodiment allows for easy replacement of the appearance of the modular camera (i.e., the first plate and the second plate) by gradually increasing the width of each side wall of the frame from the first end to the second end, and by combining this with the design of the first plate and the second plate being detachably disposed on the frame.
[0016] To further understand the features and technical content of this utility model, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of this utility model. However, these descriptions and drawings are only used to illustrate this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model in any way. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a modular camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram from another perspective.
[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of its breakdown.
[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of its breakdown.
[0021] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram of the camera module and user identity module card in an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0022] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the frame of an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0023] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the frame of an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view along section line VIII-VIII.
[0025] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along section line IX-IX.
[0026] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along section line XX. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the "modular camera" disclosed in this utility model. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this utility model. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this utility model are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this utility model in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0028] It should be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein should, as appropriate, include any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 10 As shown, this utility model embodiment discloses a modular camera 100. As... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the modular camera 100 includes a housing 1, a camera module 2 detachably disposed within the housing 1, and a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card 3 detachably disposed within the camera module 2; however, this invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments not shown in this invention, the modular camera 100 may also include multiple SIM cards 3 with different functions, allowing a user to selectively install one of the SIM cards 3 within the camera module 2.
[0030] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the structure of the camera module 2 and the user identity module card 3 and their matching relationship will be explained below.
[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the camera module 2 includes a circuit board 21, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card connector 22, a video recording control unit 23, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector 24, a lens unit 25, a battery unit 26, and a switching unit 27. The SIM card connector 22, video recording control unit 23, USB connector 24, lens unit 25, battery unit 26, and switching unit 27 are all mounted on the circuit board 21. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the circuit board 21 also has a through-hole 211.
[0032] It should be noted that other electronic components (such as switches, microprocessor units, and memory card connectors) not mentioned in this embodiment can be adjusted and changed according to actual needs, and therefore will not be elaborated here. Furthermore, the functions and actual operation of the aforementioned universal serial bus connector 24, lens unit 25, battery unit 26, and switching unit 27 can also be adjusted and changed according to actual needs, and will not be elaborated here.
[0033] Specifically, the User Identity Module Card 3 is detachably disposed on the User Identity Module Card Connector 22 and electrically coupled to the Camera Module 2. Further, the User Identity Module Card 3 can be selected from one of the following: a full-size User Identity Module Card (1FF), a mini-SIM (2FF), a micro-SIM (3FF), a nano-SIM (4FF), and an embedded User Identity Module Card (eSIM). In other words, the User Identity Module Card Connector 22 can be used to accommodate User Identity Module Cards 3 of different sizes.
[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the user identity module card 3 includes at least one photography function unit for execution by the camera module 2. The at least one photography function unit is selected from one of a color adjustment function unit, a time-limited recording function unit, a time-lapse recording function unit, a filter function unit, and a size adjustment function unit.
[0035] like Figure 5As shown, the user identity module card 3 can simultaneously include the color adjustment function unit, the time-limited recording function unit, the time-lapse recording unit, the filter function unit, and the size adjustment function unit, but this utility model is not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments of this utility model not shown, the user identity module card 3 may also include only at least one of the above-mentioned camera function units.
[0036] For example, the time-lapse recording unit can be used to enable the camera module 2 to shorten a 30-minute video to 10 seconds, and the filter function unit can be used to enable the camera module 2 to adjust image parameters (e.g., various filter effects).
[0037] However, the modular camera 100 provided in this embodiment of the present invention can, according to the user's actual needs, and through the setting of the user identity module card 3, enable the camera module 2 to perform at least one of the aforementioned photographic function units to have expanded functions (such as time-lapse recording and / or adjusting image parameters, etc.). Therefore, the specific functions that each photographic function unit can achieve can vary according to the user's actual needs. Therefore, the uses of the remaining photographic function units will not be elaborated here.
[0038] Furthermore, the various photographic function units mentioned in this embodiment are merely illustrative examples of the expanded functions that the camera module 2 can achieve when paired with the user identity module card 3, and this utility model is not limited thereto. For example, other photographic function units not mentioned in this embodiment (such as image combination function units) can be loaded into the user identity module card 3 according to actual needs. Further, the camera module 2 can also load and execute other photographic function units from a cloud server by connecting to a mobile communication network through the user identity module card 3.
[0039] According to the above configuration, the modular camera 100, through the combination of the camera module 2 and the user identity module card 3, can perform extended functions corresponding to different photography function units (such as time-lapse recording and / or image parameter adjustment) to meet advanced needs in camera applications. It should be further noted that the user identity module card 3 in this embodiment functions differently from existing user identity module cards used for communication functions; therefore, existing user identity module cards used only for communication functions are different from the user identity module card 3 in this embodiment.
[0040] It is worth mentioning that, re-reference Figures 1 to 4As shown, the modular camera 100 further includes a detachable handle 4 disposed on the video recording control unit 23, but it can be selectively added according to actual needs, and the present invention is not limited thereto. That is to say, in other embodiments of the present invention not shown, the handle 4 can also be omitted or replaced by other components according to actual needs.
[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the throttle 4 is detachably configured and electrically coupled to the interface 231 of the video recording control unit 23 (e.g., ...). Figure 8 As shown), the throttle 4 is rotatable relative to the interface 231. In this embodiment, the interface 231 is a 3.5 mm interface, and the throttle 4 is detachably provided (e.g., inserted) into the interface 231 with a 3.5 mm connector, but this invention is not limited thereto.
[0042] More specifically, the interface 231 is provided with an activation part (not shown in the figure) electrically coupled to the video recording control unit 23. When the throttle 4 activates the activation part at different rotation speeds, the video recording control unit 23 can control the camera module 2 to record images at the corresponding speed. However, the actual operational relationship between the throttle 4, the video recording control unit 23, and the interface 231 can be adjusted and changed according to actual needs, and this utility model is not limited thereto.
[0043] Furthermore, the modular camera 100 may further include a special effects lens (not shown) detachably mounted on the lens unit 25, but this can be selectively added according to actual needs, and the present invention is not limited thereto. More specifically, the special effects lens may be fixed to the lens unit 25 by a spiral locking mechanism, and the special effects lens may be, for example, a fisheye lens, etc., and the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0044] The above describes the structure of the camera module 2 and the user identity module card 3 in the modular camera 100 of this utility model embodiment, and their combination. The structure of the outer shell 1 will be described below, and its combination relationship with the camera module 2 will be explained as appropriate.
[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 ,and Figure 7As shown, the outer casing 1 includes a frame 11, a first plate 12 disposed within the frame 11, a second plate 13 disposed within the frame 11, and a buckle 14 extending from the corner of the frame 11. The frame 11 and the buckle 14 can be a single-piece structure integrally formed, but this invention is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments not shown in this invention, the outer casing 1 may be constructed without the buckle 14, depending on actual needs.
[0046] Furthermore, the frame 11 is generally ring-shaped, comprising two side walls 111 facing each other, a top wall 112 connecting the two side walls 111, and a bottom wall 113 connecting the two side walls 111. It is worth noting that the buckle 14 is connected to the top wall 112 and one of the side walls 111 respectively.
[0047] More specifically, each of the two sidewalls 111 has a first end 111a and a second end 111b located away from the first end 111a, and the width of each sidewall 111 gradually increases from the first end 111a to the second end 111b. As described above, each sidewall 111 may be generally in the form of a trapezoidal columnar structure.
[0048] The top wall 112 is connected to the first end 111a of the two side walls 111, and the bottom wall 113 is connected to the second end 111b of the two side walls 111, with the top wall 112 parallel to the bottom wall 113. Further, the width of the top wall 112 corresponds to the width of the first end 111a, and the width of the bottom wall 113 corresponds to the width of the second end 111b, such that the width of the bottom wall 113 is greater than the width of the top wall 112.
[0049] According to the above configuration, any one of the side walls 111 of the frame 11 generally has a trapezoidal shape. It is worth mentioning that, as Figure 8 As shown, the length of the bottom wall 113 in this embodiment is equal to the length of the top wall 112, so that the two side walls 111, the top wall 112 and the bottom wall 113 of the frame 11 surround to form two openings, which are generally rectangular in appearance, but can be adjusted and changed according to actual needs, and this utility model is not limited thereto.
[0050] Re-reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ,and Figure 7As shown, the inner edge of the frame 11 is recessed to form two movable grooves 114 and a receiving groove 115 located between the two movable grooves 114. The two movable grooves 114 and the receiving groove 115 are each annular and are arranged along the inner edge of the top wall 112, the inner edge of the bottom wall 113, and the inner edge of the two side walls 111.
[0051] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, one of the sidewalls 111 also includes two accommodating spaces 116 spaced apart from each other. The two accommodating spaces 116 can communicate with the accommodating slot 115 and the two movable slots 114. Furthermore, one of the sidewalls 111 also forms an insertion interface 118 partially located within one of the accommodating spaces 116.
[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, one of the sidewalls 111 includes a communicating space 117 connecting the receiving groove 115 and one of the movable grooves 114, and the other sidewall 111 also has a through hole 119 located in both the receiving groove 115 and the communicating space 117.
[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 1 ,and Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the frame 11 is a flexible frame (that is, the frame 11 can be bent and elastically deformed), and the camera module 2 is detachably disposed within the receiving groove 115 of the frame 11. In this embodiment, the inner edge of the receiving groove 115 of the frame 11 further has a plurality of positioning ports 115a (e.g., the plurality of positioning ports 115a are recessed in the bottom wall 113), and the side of the camera module 2 is formed with a plurality of protrusions 28 corresponding to the plurality of positioning ports 115a, and the plurality of protrusions 28 are fitted into the positioning ports 115a so that the camera module 2 can be fixed in the frame 11. However, the fixing method can be adjusted and changed according to actual needs, and this utility model is not limited thereto.
[0054] It should be noted that the position of the Universal Serial Bus connector 24 of the camera module 2 corresponds to the position of the plug interface 118, and the position of the docking interface 231 of the video recording control unit 23 corresponds to the through hole 119, so that the electronic components (such as the Type-C connector and the throttle 4) corresponding to the Universal Serial Bus connector 24 and the docking interface 231 can pass through the frame 11 and be inserted therein respectively.
[0055] Re-reference Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the first plate 12 has a lens hole 121 for the lens unit 25 and a viewing window 122 corresponding to the viewing hole 211. Furthermore, the second plate 13 has a switching hole 131 corresponding to the switching unit 27 and a viewing window 132 corresponding to the viewing hole 211. According to the above configuration, the camera module 2 is located between the first plate 12 and the second plate 13, and in this embodiment, the first plate 12 and the second plate 13 can be respectively regarded as the front plate and rear plate of the modular camera 100 (that is, the exterior components of the modular camera 100).
[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first plate 12 and the second plate 13 are detachably disposed on opposite sides of the frame 11, and the first plate 12 and the second plate 13 are detachably disposed in the two movable slots 114.
[0057] According to the above configuration, the modular camera 100 provided in this utility model embodiment is designed so that the first plate 12 and the second plate 13 are respectively detachably disposed in the two movable slots 114, which makes it possible to easily replace the appearance of the modular camera 100 (that is, the first plate 12 and the second plate 13).
[0058] It is worth mentioning that, in other embodiments not shown in this utility model, the outer shell 1 may also include a plurality of first plates 12 and a plurality of second plates 13 with different appearances (e.g., patterns), so that users can selectively place any one of the first plates 12 and any one of the second plates 13 in the two movable slots 114 according to actual needs, so as to realize personalized styling requirements and improve the user experience.
[0059] [Technical Effects of the Embodiments of this Utility Model]
[0060] In summary, the modular camera disclosed in this utility model embodiment allows for easy replacement of the appearance of the modular camera (i.e., the first plate and the second plate) by gradually increasing the width of each side wall of the frame from the first end to the second end, and by combining this with the design of the first plate and the second plate being detachably disposed on the frame.
[0061] Furthermore, the modular camera disclosed in this embodiment of the present invention, through the design of the camera module being detachably mounted on the frame, can also improve the convenience of the camera module in maintenance operations.
[0062] Furthermore, the modular camera disclosed in this utility model embodiment can perform at least one of the extended functions corresponding to the photography function unit by combining the camera module with the user identity module card, so as to meet the advanced needs of camera applications and thus break through the limitations of existing cameras in practical applications (such as: single camera / video recording function).
[0063] The above-disclosed content is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present utility model, and is not intended to limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings are included in the patent scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A modular camera, characterized by, The modular camera includes: The frame includes: Two sidewalls, each having a first end and a second end away from the first end, the width of each sidewall gradually increasing from the first end to the second end; The top wall, with its two ends respectively connected to the first ends of the two side walls; and The bottom wall is connected to the second ends of the two side walls at both ends, the bottom wall is parallel to the top wall, and the width of the bottom wall is greater than the width of the top wall; The inner edge of the frame is recessed to form two movable grooves and a receiving groove located between the two movable grooves; The first plate is detachably disposed in one of the movable slots; A second plate is detachably disposed in one of the other movable slots; and The camera module is detachably disposed in the receiving slot and located between the first plate and the second plate.
2. The modular camera of claim 1, wherein, The camera module includes a circuit board and a user identity module card connector disposed on the circuit board; the modular camera further includes a user identity module card, which is detachably disposed on the user identity module card connector and electrically coupled to the camera module; wherein the user identity module card includes at least one functional unit for execution by the camera module.
3. The modular camera of claim 2, wherein, At least one of the functional units is selected from the color adjustment functional unit, the time-limited recording functional unit, the time-lapse recording functional unit, the filter functional unit, and the size adjustment functional unit.
4. The modular camera of claim 2, wherein, The user identity module card is selected from one of the following: standard size user identity module card, mini user identity module card, micro user identity module card, nano user identity module card, and embedded user identity module card.
5. The modular camera of claim 1, wherein, The two movable slots and the receiving slot are each annular and are arranged along the inner edge of the top wall, the inner edge of the bottom wall, and the inner edge of the two side walls; wherein, one of the side walls includes two receiving spaces communicating with the receiving slot and the two movable slots, and the other side wall includes a communicating space communicating with the receiving slot and one of the movable slots.
6. The modular camera of claim 5, wherein, The camera module further includes a universal serial bus connector disposed on a circuit board and a video recording control unit disposed on the circuit board; one of the sidewalls has a plug-in partially located within one of the accommodating spaces, and the other sidewall has a through hole located simultaneously within the accommodating slot and the communicating space; wherein the position of the plug-in corresponds to the position of the universal serial bus connector, and the position of the through hole corresponds to the position of the video recording control unit.
7. The modular camera of claim 6, wherein, The modular camera further includes a throttle through the perforation, and the throttle is disposed and electrically coupled to the interface of the video recording control unit, and the throttle is rotatable relative to the interface.
8. The modular camera of claim 7, wherein, The interface is a 3.5 mm interface, and the throttle is detachably mounted on the interface with a 3.5 mm connector.
9. The modular camera of claim 1, wherein, The inner edge of the receiving groove further has multiple positioning ports, and the side of the camera module has multiple protrusions corresponding to the multiple positioning ports; wherein the multiple protrusions are fitted into the positioning ports.
10. The modular camera of claim 1, wherein, The modular camera further includes a buckle extending from the frame, the buckle being connected to the top wall and one of the side walls respectively.