Tube camera head

Abstract

The utility model relates to a holder technology field, and more specifically, relates to a thin tube type holder camera, including the outer tube, it is tubular structure, the sleeve, one end of sleeve is located in the outer tube, the core cavity is connected in the other end of the outer tube, the lens board is arranged in the end of the core cavity, and the lens is assembled on it, the plug is connected in the end of the sleeve. The application is arranged in the annular space between the outer tube and the sleeve through the horizontal drive component, and the vertical drive component is integrated in the core cavity, realizes the reasonable layout of two sets of drive systems in the slender pipe body. The design of coaxial nesting and cavity integration combination makes the most of the limited space, makes the holder camera have the complete double -axis rotation function while keeping the slender tubular shape, and is easy to install and hide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gimbal technology, and more specifically, to a thin-tube gimbal camera. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of security monitoring, video conferencing, and drones, higher demands are being placed on the compactness, concealment, and functionality of camera equipment. Slim-tube cameras, due to their slender structure and ease of installation and concealment, are widely used in these fields. To expand the field of view, these cameras typically require integrated pan-tilt functionality to achieve horizontal and vertical rotation. Traditional gimbal cameras typically employ a split design, separating the drive motor, transmission mechanism, and camera barrel. This structure results in a bulky overall size, making it difficult to meet the requirements of narrow-tube installation space. Existing designs often suffer from bloated structures, low transmission efficiency, or component interference due to improper layout. Furthermore, within a limited space, gear transmissions are prone to vibration and noise due to excessive gear meshing clearance, severely affecting the positioning accuracy of the gimbal and the stability of the captured image. In particular, if the meshing clearance of the bevel gears is not properly controlled in the vertical drive section, it can cause image shake when the camera is tilting. Therefore, this application provides a thin-tube gimbal camera to solve the problems mentioned above. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose a thin-tube gimbal camera to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a thin-tube gimbal camera, resolving the issues of spatial layout contradictions and insufficient transmission stability and accuracy in existing gimbal cameras.

[0005] In the above technical solution, the thin-tube gimbal camera further includes: The outer cylinder has a tubular structure; A sleeve, fitted onto one end of the outer cylinder; The movement cavity is connected to the other end of the outer cylinder; The lens plate is located at the end of the movement cavity and the lens is mounted on it; The plug is attached to the end of the sleeve; Also includes: A horizontal drive assembly is disposed between the outer cylinder and the sleeve; The vertical drive assembly is located within the movement cavity; The hollow shaft is inserted into the sleeve, and one end of it is connected to the plug.

[0006] In any of the above technical solutions, the horizontal drive component further includes: Motor mounting plate, used to fix the first motor; The first motor is fixed to the bearing sleeve by a motor mounting plate; The first cylindrical gear is connected to the output shaft of the first motor; The second cylindrical gear meshes with the first cylindrical gear.

[0007] In any of the above technical solutions, the vertical drive component further includes: Motor mounting bracket for securing the second motor; The second motor is fixed to the gimbal light plate via a motor mounting bracket. The first bevel gear is connected to the output shaft of the second motor; The second bevel gear meshes with the first bevel gear.

[0008] In any of the above technical solutions, the motor mounting plate is further provided as a ring structure, with mounting holes for fixing the first motor circumferentially.

[0009] In any of the above technical solutions, the motor mounting base is further defined as an L-shaped structure, with one side fixedly connected to the gimbal light panel and the other side fixedly connected to the second motor.

[0010] In any of the above technical solutions, further, an opening is provided on the side wall of the mechanism cavity to avoid the vertical drive component, and the gimbal light plate covers the opening.

[0011] In any of the above technical solutions, a connecting shell extending outward is further provided on the outer side wall of the outer cylinder, and the connecting shell is provided with mounting holes.

[0012] In any of the above technical solutions, the gear ratio between the first cylindrical gear and the second cylindrical gear is further between 1:3 and 1:5.

[0013] In any of the above technical solutions, the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear have the same module, and the meshing clearance between them is less than 0.1 mm.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: 1. By cleverly arranging the horizontal drive component within the annular space between the outer cylinder and the sleeve, and integrating the vertical drive component into the mechanism cavity, a rational layout of the two drive systems within the slender tube is achieved. This design, combining coaxial nesting and cavity integration, maximizes the use of limited space, allowing the gimbal camera to maintain a slim tubular shape while possessing complete dual-axis rotation capabilities, making it easy to install and conceal.

[0015] 2. The horizontal drive employs cylindrical gear transmission. By setting the gear ratio between the first and second cylindrical gears to 1:3 to 1:5, effective speed reduction and torque increase are achieved, resulting in smooth, powerful horizontal rotation with high control precision. The vertical drive uses bevel gear transmission, with the first and second bevel gears having the same module and a meshing clearance of less than 0.1mm. This strict control significantly reduces gear backlash, effectively preventing image shake caused by gear wobble during camera pitch movements, ensuring the stability and clarity of captured images. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 3 For the present utility model Figure 2 Enlarged view of the A-structure; Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the combination of the first cylindrical gear and the second cylindrical gear of this utility model.

[0018] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: In the diagram: 1. Outer cylinder; 2. Sleeve; 3. Mechanism cavity; 4. Lens plate; 5. Lens; 6. Plug; 7. Hollow shaft; 8. Motor mounting plate; 9. First motor; 10. Bearing outer sleeve; 11. First cylindrical gear; 12. Second cylindrical gear; 13. Motor mounting base; 14. Second motor; 15. Gimbal light plate; 16. First bevel gear; 17. Second bevel gear; 18. Connecting outer shell. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0020] It should be noted that, as shown in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list; the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0021] If the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0022] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0024] The following embodiments will be used to provide a detailed description of the slim-tube gimbal camera of this application.

[0025] Example 1: like Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment proposes a thin-tube gimbal camera, including: Outer cylinder 1, which has a tubular structure; Sleeve 2 is fitted onto one end of outer cylinder 1; The movement cavity 3 is connected to the other end of the outer cylinder 1; Lens plate 4 is located at the end of the movement cavity 3, and lens 5 is mounted on it; Plug 6 is connected to the end of sleeve 2; Also includes: A horizontal drive assembly is disposed between the outer cylinder 1 and the sleeve 2; A vertical drive assembly is disposed within the movement cavity 3; The hollow shaft 7 is inserted into the sleeve 2, and one end of it is connected to the plug 6.

[0026] Specifically, through the coaxial nested outer cylinder 1 and sleeve 2 design, and the integrated layout of the mechanism cavity 3, the horizontal and vertical drive systems are compactly integrated into the tubular structure. While meeting the requirements of the thin-tube installation space, it achieves complete dual-axis rotation function, solving the problem of the traditional split gimbal camera being bulky and difficult to hide.

[0027] Example 2: This embodiment is a further improvement based on Embodiment 1.

[0028] like Figures 2-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the horizontal drive component includes: Motor mounting plate 8, used to fix the first motor 9; The first motor 9 is fixed to the bearing outer sleeve 10 by the motor mounting plate 8; The first cylindrical gear 11 is connected to the output shaft of the first motor 9; The second cylindrical gear 12 meshes with the first cylindrical gear 11.

[0029] Specifically, the horizontal drive assembly adopts a motor-gear direct drive structure. Through the cooperation of the motor mounting plate 8 and the bearing outer sleeve 10, the first motor 9 is stably fixed in the annular space between the outer cylinder 1 and the sleeve 2, so as to achieve efficient power transmission. Meanwhile, compared with traditional belt drives or worm gear drives, cylindrical gear transmission structures have the advantages of high transmission efficiency and fast response speed, making them suitable for the rotational flexibility requirements of thin-tube gimbal cameras. Example 3: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0030] like Figures 2-3 As shown, in this embodiment, the vertical drive component includes: Motor mounting bracket 13 is used to fix the second motor 14; The second motor 14 is fixed to the gimbal light plate 15 via the motor mounting bracket 13; The first bevel gear 16 is connected to the output shaft of the second motor 14; The second bevel gear 17 meshes with the first bevel gear 16.

[0031] Specifically, the vertical drive assembly adopts a bevel gear transmission structure, which realizes a 90-degree steering of the power direction, perfectly adapting to the spatial layout requirements of vertical drive in a thin-tube structure. The second motor 14, in conjunction with the precise meshing of the bevel gear, enables fine-tuning control of the vertical angle, solving the problems of insufficient vertical adjustment accuracy and image shaking in traditional gimbal cameras. Meanwhile, the components are integrated entirely within the movement cavity 3, without increasing the overall radial dimension of the movement, thus ensuring the structural characteristics of the thin tube. Example 4: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0032] like Figures 2-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the motor mounting plate 8 is a ring structure, and its circumferential surface is provided with mounting holes for fixing the first motor 9. Specifically, the annular motor mounting plate 8 is adapted to the tubular shape of the outer cylinder 1, and the circumferential mounting holes can securely fix the first motor 9, which saves radial space and improves the assembly stability of the horizontal drive assembly. Example 5: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0033] like Figures 2-3 As shown, in this embodiment, the motor mounting base 13 has an L-shaped structure, with one side fixedly connected to the gimbal light plate 15 and the other side fixedly connected to the second motor 14. Specifically, the L-shaped motor mounting base 13 can simultaneously achieve reliable connection with the gimbal light board 15 and the second motor 14 within the limited space of the core cavity 3, which not only ensures the compactness of the vertical drive assembly installation, but also improves the structural support strength.

[0034] Example 6: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the side wall of the mechanism cavity 3 is provided with an opening for avoiding the vertical drive assembly, and the gimbal light plate 15 covers the opening. Specifically, the opening design of the mechanism cavity 3 provides installation and clearance space for the vertical drive component. Combined with the covering structure of the gimbal light plate 15, it not only facilitates the assembly and maintenance of the component, but also ensures the sealing of the mechanism cavity 3.

[0036] Example 7: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0037] like Figures 1-2 As shown, in this embodiment, an outwardly extending connecting shell 18 is also provided on the outer side wall of the outer cylinder 1, and the connecting shell 18 is provided with mounting holes. Specifically, the connecting shell 18 structure on the side wall of the outer cylinder 1 expands the installation interface, and with the installation holes, the gimbal can be quickly fixed to different carriers, improving the product's adaptability to different scenarios.

[0038] Example 8: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the tooth ratio of the first cylindrical gear 11 to the second cylindrical gear 12 is between 1:3 and 1:5. Specifically, the gear ratio of cylindrical gears between 1:3 and 1:5 enables the reduction transmission of horizontal drive, which not only increases the torque of horizontal rotation but also reduces the rotation speed, thereby enhancing the smoothness and accuracy of horizontal adjustment.

[0040] Example 9: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first bevel gear 16 and the second bevel gear 17 have the same module, and the meshing clearance between them is less than 0.1 mm; Specifically, the bevel gears with the same module have a meshing clearance of less than 0.1mm, which improves the meshing accuracy of vertical transmission, reduces transmission backlash, and further ensures the accuracy of vertical attitude adjustment.

[0042] Example 10: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0043] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the working principle of this utility model is as follows: First, the gimbal camera is securely fixed to the target carrier (such as a vehicle, drone, or fixed bracket) through the mounting holes on the specially designed outward-extending connecting housing 18 on the outer wall of its outer cylinder 1.

[0044] Subsequently, plug 6 is connected to the external power supply and signal transmission lines, completing the establishment of the system's energy supply and data communication link. All internal cables are routed through the carefully designed hollow shaft 7. This layout not only optimizes internal space and avoids cable tangling but also ensures the stability and safety of the structure during rotation. At this time, lens 5 is at the preset initial shooting angle under the control of the motor, and the entire unit enters standby mode. Next, when the control system receives a command to adjust the horizontal shooting angle, the horizontal drive component is activated. Specifically, the first motor 9 is precisely activated, its output shaft begins to rotate, and directly drives the connected first cylindrical gear 11 to rotate synchronously. The first cylindrical gear 11 and the larger second cylindrical gear 12 form a meshing transmission pair, using the 1:3 to 1:5 gear ratio between them to achieve effective deceleration and torque increase.

[0045] This transmission process converts the high-speed, low-torque output of the first motor 9 into the low-speed, high-torque output required by the second cylindrical gear 12. This torque is ultimately transmitted to and drives the outer cylinder 1, its connected internal cavity 3, and the lens 5 as a whole to rotate smoothly and precisely on the horizontal plane relative to the fixed sleeve 2 and plug 6. The entire horizontal rotation process continues until the built-in sensor or control system determines that the lens 5 has accurately reached the target horizontal viewing angle, at which point the first motor 9 stops operating and locks the lens 5 in that position. Then, when it is necessary to adjust the vertical shooting pitch angle, the vertical drive component starts to work. The second motor 14, located inside the camera body 3, is activated, and its output shaft drives the first bevel gear 16, which is fixed to its end, to rotate. The first bevel gear 16 and the second bevel gear 17 mesh perpendicularly with each other, forming a spatial interlaced shaft transmission system, which perfectly reverses the rotational direction of the second motor 14 by 90 degrees.

[0046] Through the efficient transmission of this pair of bevel gears with the same module and a meshing clearance precisely adjusted to less than 0.1 mm, power is accurately transmitted to the second bevel gear 17. The rotation of the second bevel gear 17 is ultimately converted into the movement of the movement cavity 3, together with the lens plate 4 and lens 5 at its end, pitching and oscillating relative to the outer barrel 1 in the vertical plane.

[0047] The vertical adjustment continues until lens 5 precisely reaches the required vertical angle, at which point the second motor 14 stops and maintains this posture. After both the horizontal and vertical angles are adjusted to the correct position, lens 5 will stably maintain the current optimal shooting posture and begin image or video acquisition. The acquired visual data is transmitted through internal circuitry and aggregated via cables inside the hollow shaft 7 to the connector 6, ultimately being transmitted to an external main control device or storage unit for recording, display, or further analysis. Throughout the entire working cycle of the PTZ camera, if a change in monitoring or shooting requirements necessitates switching the viewing angle, the system simply repeats the aforementioned horizontal or vertical angle adjustment process to achieve rapid and flexible multi-angle positioning. This modular drive design allows horizontal and vertical adjustments to be independent of each other.

[0048] Finally, once the gimbal camera completes all preset tasks or receives a stop command, the control system will issue a reset command. The first motor 9 and the second motor 14 will then drive each transmission component in reverse order according to the program settings, smoothly returning the lens 5 to its initial safe storage angle or preset standby position, preparing it for the next task and also helping to extend the lifespan of the mechanical structure.

[0049] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A slim-tube gimbal camera, including: The outer cylinder (1) is a tubular structure; A sleeve (2) is fitted onto one end of the outer cylinder (1); The movement cavity (3) is connected to the other end of the outer cylinder (1); A lens plate (4) is disposed at the end of the mechanism cavity (3), and a lens (5) is mounted thereon. The plug (6) is connected to the end of the sleeve (2); Its characteristic is that it further includes: A horizontal drive assembly is disposed between the outer cylinder (1) and the sleeve (2); A vertical drive assembly is disposed within the mechanism cavity (3); The hollow shaft (7) is inserted into the sleeve (2), and one end of it is connected to the plug (6).

2. The thin-tube gimbal camera as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal drive component includes: Motor mounting plate (8) is used to fix the first motor (9); The first motor (9) is fixed to the bearing sleeve (10) by the motor mounting plate (8); The first cylindrical gear (11) is connected to the output shaft of the first motor (9); The second cylindrical gear (12) meshes with the first cylindrical gear (11).

3. The thin-tube gimbal camera as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical drive component includes: Motor mounting bracket (13) is used to fix the second motor (14); The second motor (14) is fixed to the gimbal light plate (15) via the motor mounting bracket (13); The first bevel gear (16) is connected to the output shaft of the second motor (14); The second bevel gear (17) meshes with the first bevel gear (16).

4. The thin-tube gimbal camera as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The motor mounting plate (8) is a ring structure with mounting holes for fixing the first motor (9) in its circumference.

5. The thin-tube gimbal camera as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The motor mounting base (13) has an L-shaped structure, with one side fixedly connected to the gimbal lamp plate (15) and the other side fixedly connected to the second motor (14).

6. The thin-tube gimbal camera as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The side wall of the mechanism cavity (3) is provided with an opening for avoiding the vertical drive assembly, and the gimbal light plate (15) covers the opening.

7. The thin-tube gimbal camera as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the outer cylinder (1) is also provided with an outwardly extending connecting shell (18), and the connecting shell (18) is provided with mounting holes.

8. The thin-tube gimbal camera as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The ratio of the number of teeth of the first cylindrical gear (11) to the number of teeth of the second cylindrical gear (12) is between 1:3 and 1:

5.

9. The thin-tube gimbal camera as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first bevel gear (16) and the second bevel gear (17) have the same module, and their meshing clearance is less than 0.1 mm.

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