Camera assembly

Abstract

The utility model provides a camera assembly which can look simple in appearance. The camera assembly (1) comprises a housing component (20) which can internally accommodate at least a power supply circuit board (51) and a camera, the housing component (20) is composed of a base (21A) located at the rear and a shooting portion (21B) extending forward of the base (21A), and the power supply circuit is arranged inside the base (21A). Thus, the shooting portion (21B) at the front can be made slim, and the camera assembly (1) can look simple in appearance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to camera components. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses the following technology: a camera is installed on the upper part of a cold storage room, and a picture is taken when an object is detected passing through the opening of the cold storage room, and the food stored in the cold storage room is managed based on the picture results.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-070476 Utility Model Content

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the utility model

[0007] Therefore, this invention provides a camera assembly that has a simple appearance.

[0008] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0009] The camera assembly of this utility model can be installed on the top surface of a cold storage room to film the cold storage room. It includes a housing component that can house at least a power circuit board and a camera inside. The housing component consists of a base located at the rear and a filming part extending forward from the base. The power circuit board is disposed inside the base.

[0010] In addition, this specification contains the full contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-109881, filed on July 4, 2023.

[0011] Utility Model Effect

[0012] The camera assembly of this invention places a power circuit board with a relatively large height dimension on a base that is also large in height dimension at the rear, thus allowing the front shooting part to be made slim, making the camera assembly 1 look simple in appearance. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a front view of the camera assembly and the cold storage.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Section II-II view.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a front view of the cold storage unit with the camera assembly and doors open.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the camera assembly as seen from above.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the camera assembly as seen from below.

[0018] Figure 6 This is an exploded 3D view of the camera components.

[0019] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the camera assembly with the metal plate removed from the housing component.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a plan view of the housing component.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera assembly.

[0022] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 A perspective view of the shell component cut across the XX section.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera assembly.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a view of the lower surface of the cover component.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera assembly within the same cross-section as XX.

[0026] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 XV-XV cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0027] (Insights that form the basis of this utility model, etc.)

[0028] When the inventors were conceiving this utility model, they learned of a technology that uses a camera installed in a cold storage to film the food stored in the cold storage for food management.

[0029] In this context, in recent years, there has been technology that allows for the separate preparation of camera components from the cold storage and subsequent installation of these components. In this case, the camera components are exposed on the exterior of the cold storage, thus creating a need for a clean and simple appearance. To address this issue, the subject of this invention was developed.

[0030] Therefore, this invention provides a camera assembly that has a simple appearance.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes more detailed descriptions than necessary are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of things that are already well known are sometimes omitted, or descriptions of substantially the same structures are repeated.

[0032] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0033] (Implementation Method 1)

[0034] [1-1. Structure]

[0035] Figure 1 This is a front view of the camera assembly 1 and the cold storage 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Section II-II is shown as a section perpendicular to the left-right direction. Figure 3 This is a front view of the camera assembly 1 and the cold storage 100, showing the doors 121A and 121B open. In the following description, the direction indicated by reference numeral X in the figure is designated as the right direction, the direction indicated by reference numeral Y is designated as the forward direction, and the direction indicated by reference numeral Z is designated as the upward direction.

[0036] [1-1-1. Structure of a Cold Storage]

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cold storage 100 includes a main body 120 with an opening at the front. The main body 120 has a cold storage compartment 121, an ice-making compartment 122, a fresh-freezing compartment 123, a freezer compartment 124, and a vegetable compartment 125. These compartments are cooled by cold air. The opening at the front of the cold storage compartment 121 has horizontally opening doors 121A and 121B.

[0038] The ice-making compartment 122, the fresh freezing compartment 123, the freezer compartment 124, and the vegetable compartment 125 are each equipped with drawers 122A, 123A, 124A, and 125A, respectively, which are used to store items. Drawers 122A to 125A have openings on their top surfaces when in the set state.

[0039] The camera assembly 1 is located on the top surface 120A of the outer side of the main body 120 of the cold storage 100. The top surface 120A of the main body 120 is made of metal. In addition, the metal constituting the top surface 120A is made of a metal such as iron that attracts magnets.

[0040] [1-1-2. Structure of the Camera Component]

[0041] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of camera component 1 as seen from above. Figure 5This is a perspective view of camera component 1 as seen from below. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the state after the cover part 30 of the camera assembly 1 has been removed. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing the state after the cover part 30 and metal plate 40 of the camera assembly 1 have been removed.

[0042] The camera assembly 1 includes a housing component 20, a cover component 30, and a metal plate 40 housed inside the housing component 20. The housing component 20 is rectangular when viewed from above. The housing component 20 consists of a base 21A located at the rear and disposed on the top surface 120A, and a shooting section 21B extending forward of the base 21A and having a predetermined gap relative to the top surface 120A.

[0043] The housing component 20 is made of a flame-retardant resin. Examples of flame-retardant resins include ABS resin with added flame retardants.

[0044] Foot portions 22A1 are provided at the four outer corners of the bottom surface 22A of the base 21A. The foot portions 22A1 are portions of the housing component 20 that are disposed with a predetermined gap relative to the top surface 120A, and are formed, for example, of rubber.

[0045] A downwardly extending position limiting portion 26 is formed on the front end surface 21A1 of the base 21A. The position limiting portion 26 is formed as a flat plate perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The position limiting portion 26 contacts the front edge 120B of the main body 120 of the cold storage 100 from the front. The position limiting portion 26 restricts the rearward movement of the camera assembly 1 by contacting the front edge 120B.

[0046] A first positioning part 26A is provided in front of the position limiting part. In this embodiment, the first positioning part 26A is a mark that can be visually observed from the front. The first positioning part 26A is located at the center in the left-right direction of the camera assembly 1.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a plan view of housing component 20.

[0048] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a power circuit board 51 is fixed to the base 21A. The power circuit board 51 is connected to an external power source to supply the power required for the operation of each part of the camera assembly 1. The power circuit board 51 is an example of a "circuit board" in this utility model.

[0049] The power circuit board 51 is connected to a power harness 51B capable of transmitting power. The power harness 51B is routed inside the housing component 20 on the left side of the power circuit board 51. The power harness 51B extends from the rear end of the housing component 20 outwards, connecting to an external power source. Power from the external power source is supplied to the power circuit board 51 via the power harness 51B. In this embodiment, the power harness 51B is connected to a 100V commercial power supply. Alternatively, the power harness 51B can also be connected to the power circuit board of the cold storage 100. In this case, the camera assembly 1 and the cold storage 100 can also be connected via a USB cable or harness.

[0050] Furthermore, the power cables connecting the power harness 51B of the camera assembly 1 to the commercial power supply, and the power cables connecting the cold storage 100 to the commercial power supply, can also be routed from the same side in the left-right direction. Additionally, the power cables connecting the power harness 51B of the camera assembly 1 to the commercial power supply can be configured to be longer than the power cables connecting the cold storage 100 to the commercial power supply. This improves user convenience when using the camera assembly 1 and the cold storage 100.

[0051] A sensor circuit board 53 is fixed to the base 21A. The sensor circuit board 53 is a circuit board (substrate) that transmits and receives signals with various sensors such as the range sensor 65, thermopile 67, and illuminance sensor 69 disposed on the camera assembly 1. The sensor circuit board 53 is located to the right of the power supply circuit board 51. The sensor circuit board 53 is an example of a "circuit board" in this utility model.

[0052] A System on a Chip (SoC) circuit board 55 is fixed to the imaging unit 21B. The SoC circuit board 55 is used to control the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63. The SoC circuit board 55 is connected to the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63 via two Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) cables 83. The SoC circuit board 55 is an example of a "circuit board" in this invention.

[0053] On the housing component 20, a partition 23 is formed at a position surrounding the power circuit board 51 when viewed from above. Furthermore, a sensor circuit board 53, a SoC circuit board 55, a wide-angle camera 61, and a narrow-angle camera 63 are disposed inside the partition 23. The partition 23 is shaped to protrude upwards from the base 21A and the imaging portion 21B.

[0054] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a wide-angle camera 61 and a narrow-angle camera 63 are mounted on the front end of the imaging section 21B of the housing component 20.

[0055] Wide-angle camera 61 captures images of all parts of the cold storage 100, including the cold storage compartment 121. Narrow-angle camera 63 captures images of the area including drawers 122A, 123A, 124A, and 125A. Furthermore, camera assembly 1 can also capture images of items being taken out and placed in the cold storage compartment 121, ice-making compartment 122, fresh-freezing compartment 123, freezer compartment 124, and vegetable compartment 125.

[0056] LEDs 70, serving as lighting devices, are respectively installed on both sides of the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63 of the shooting unit 21B. The LEDs 70 illuminate the cold storage 100 on which the camera assembly 1 is mounted from above. The LEDs 70 are arranged at a slight angle toward the outside of the cold storage 100, i.e., the front. By arranging the LEDs 70 at this angle, the entire area of ​​the vegetable compartment 125 and the freezer compartment 124 can be illuminated when the vegetable compartment 125 and the freezer compartment 124 are pulled out.

[0057] An illuminance sensor 69 and a thermopile 67 are respectively installed between the wide-angle camera 61 and the LED 70 in the shooting unit 21B.

[0058] Illumination sensor 69 detects the brightness around the cold storage 100. The thermopile 67 is an infrared sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person by detecting the temperature of a person approaching the cold storage 100.

[0059] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of camera assembly 1, showing the cross-section of camera assembly 1 cut off at the center in the left-right direction. Figure 10 This is a 3D view of camera component 1, representing... Figure 8 Camera component 1 in the state of being cut off at the XX section.

[0060] like Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the metal plate 40 is a component made of sheet metal. The metal plate 40 is fixed to the shooting section 21B by fasteners such as screws, bolts, and self-tapping screws. The metal plate 40 covers the entire inner surface of the partition section 23 from above.

[0061] That is, the metal plate 40 covers the power circuit board 51, sensor circuit board 53, SoC circuit board 55, wide-angle camera 61 and narrow-angle camera 63, sealing the area surrounded by the partition 23.

[0062] The metal plate 40 includes a rear portion 41 that overlaps with the power supply circuit board 51 and the sensor circuit board 53 when viewed from above. A rib 43 is formed at the front end of the rear portion 41. The rib 43 extends upwards from the front end of the rear portion 41 in a lateral direction.

[0063] A central portion 45 extending forward from the upper end of rib 43 is integrally formed at the front end of the rear portion 41. The central portion 45 is positioned across the base 21A and the camera portion 21B when viewed from above. The central portion 45 is positioned higher than the rear portion 41. The central portion 45 covers the SoC circuit board 55 from above.

[0064] A downwardly recessed heat dissipation portion 46 is formed approximately at the center of the central portion 45 of the board. The heat dissipation portion 46 contacts the upper surface of the heat-generating element mounted on the SoC circuit board 55 via a thermally conductive sheet. As a result, heat from the heat-generating element can be rapidly transferred to the metal plate 40.

[0065] A front portion 47, which is lower than the central portion 45, is integrally formed at the front end of the central portion 45. The front portion 47 covers the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63 from above.

[0066] The front part 47 of the plate contacts the top of the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63 via a heat-conducting plate. As a result, the heat from the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63 can be quickly transferred to the metal plate 40.

[0067] like Figure 9 As shown, a heat dissipation hole 31 is formed behind the cover member 30 and at a position corresponding to the power circuit board 51. The heat dissipation hole 31 is a hole that passes through the cover member 30, allowing the interior of the housing member 20 to communicate with the outside. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation hole 31 is formed with the length direction as the left-right direction, and multiple holes are arranged in the front-back direction.

[0068] The heat dissipation hole 31 allows air to enter and exit between the inside and outside of the housing component 20. As a result, heat generated from the power circuit board 51 and the like can be easily dissipated to the outside of the housing component 20 through convection heat conduction.

[0069] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of camera component 1, showing a section perpendicular to the left and right directions.

[0070] Hereinafter, the structure comprising the housing component 20 and the cover component 30, and which houses the circuit boards 51, 53, 55, the cameras 61, 63, and the metal plate 40, will be referred to as the housing 10. The aforementioned heat dissipation holes 31 connect the external space of the camera assembly 1 with the internal space separated by the housing 10.

[0071] like Figure 11As shown, the camera assembly 1 is mounted on the front end 120A1 of the top surface 120A. The base 21A of the housing 10 overlaps with the top surface 120A of the cold storage 100 when viewed from above. The imaging portion 21B of the housing 10 does not overlap with the top surface 120A when viewed from above. Therefore, the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63 are positioned further forward than the front edge 120B of the main housing 120 and the front edge of the top surface 120A.

[0072] Furthermore, the box has a shape where the vertical dimension H1 from the lower end of the base 21A of the housing component 20 to the upper end of the cover component 30 is larger, while the vertical dimension H2 from the lower end of the imaging part 21B to the upper end of the cover component 30 is smaller. Therefore, from the user's perspective, the base 21A of the housing component 20 is obscured by the cold storage 100 and is difficult to see, while the imaging part 21B, with its smaller vertical dimension H2, is easily visible.

[0073] Additionally, an inclined portion 30A is formed on the front of the upper surface of the cover member 30 with a reduced thickness.

[0074] Furthermore, the upper surface and sides of the cover member 30 are colored differently from the housing member 20. For example, the housing member 20 is colored black, while the upper surface and sides of the cover member 30 are colored silver or other bright colors relative to the housing member 20.

[0075] Therefore, for the user, the camera component 1 can appear to have a slim shape.

[0076] In addition, the wide-angle camera 61 is positioned approximately at the center of the housing component 20 in the width direction.

[0077] The narrow-angle camera 63 is positioned offset laterally from the center of the housing component 20 in the width direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 14 As shown, the optical axis L of the narrow-angle camera 63 is tilted so as to point towards the center of the width direction of the cold storage 100.

[0078] The wide-angle camera 61 is positioned closer to the front end of the housing component 20 than the narrow-angle camera 63.

[0079] As described above, the cover member 30 has an inclined portion 30A, and the height dimension of the front end of the cover member 30 is relatively small. This is because the height dimension of the narrow-angle camera 63 is larger than that of the wide-angle camera 61, and therefore it cannot be positioned near the front end of the housing member 20. On the other hand, the height dimension of the wide-angle camera 61 is relatively small, so it can be positioned near the front end of the housing member 20, thereby enabling the wide-angle camera 61 to capture images from the front of the cold storage 100.

[0080] The connector 83A of the cable 83, which connects to the SoC circuit board, is connected from the side of the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63. As a result, the height of the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63 can be kept relatively low.

[0081] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a glass cover 90 extending in the left-right direction is provided on the lower front surface of the imaging unit 21B. The glass cover 90 covers the lens portions of the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63.

[0082] Furthermore, a lens portion 91 is formed on the glass cover 90 at a position corresponding to the LED 70. Through this lens portion 91, the light emitted from the LED 70 can be focused to a focal point, thus illuminating the light efficiently.

[0083] Furthermore, an opening 92 is formed in the glass cover 90 at a position corresponding to the thermopile 67. By providing the opening 92, infrared radiation can be detected directly from the thermopile 67 without passing through the glass cover 90.

[0084] Additionally, in this embodiment, a switch 93 is provided on the front of the base 21A of the housing component 20. The switch 93 includes a main power switch 93A, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection switch 93B, and a camera start switch 93C.

[0085] The position limiting part 26 formed on the front end surface 21A1 of the base 21A contacts the front edge 120B of the main body 120 of the cold storage 100 from the front. Therefore, even when a rearward force is applied relative to the base 21A by pressing each switch 93, the rearward movement of the camera assembly 1 can be suppressed.

[0086] Furthermore, depending on the shape of the housing 10, the maximum vertical distance between the metal plate 40 in the base 21A and the cover member 30 is greater than the maximum vertical distance between the metal plate 40 in the imaging section 21B and the cover member 30. This makes it easier to ensure the vertical distance between the metal plate 40 and the heat dissipation hole 31 formed in the base 21A of the housing 10 within the cover member 30. In this embodiment, the vertical distance between the heat dissipation hole 31 and the metal plate 40 is set to 15 mm or more to cope with static electricity.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the camera assembly 1 is configured such that the overall weight, including the power cable harness 51B, is less than 1 kg.

[0088] [1-1-3. Structures Involved in Drainage from Camera Components]

[0089] The camera assembly 1 is configured to allow water that has entered the housing 10 to drain to the outside without reaching the circuit boards 51, 53, 55, etc. Hereinafter, the drainage structure of the camera assembly 1 will be described in particular.

[0090] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, a first inclined portion 41A, which slopes in the front-to-back direction, is formed on the rear portion 41 of the metal plate 40. The first inclined portion 41A is a plate-shaped portion that extends forward from the rear end of the metal plate 40 and slopes upward from the front. In other words, the first inclined portion 41A slopes in a rearward and upward direction. Here, the metal plate 40 is an example of a "plate". Furthermore, "rearward" is an example of a "directional side".

[0091] A second inclined portion 41B, which slopes vertically in the front-to-back direction, is formed at the rear portion 41 of the metal plate 40. The second inclined portion 41B is a plate-shaped portion that extends forward at an incline from the front end of the first inclined portion 41A. The aforementioned rib 43 is formed at the front end of the second inclined portion 41B.

[0092] like Figure 10 As shown, the two ends of the first inclined portion 41A extend to the outer side in the left-right direction, further outward than the sidewall portion 23A. The sidewall portion 23A is the portion in the partition portion 23 located at the position where the power circuit board 51 and the sensor circuit board 53 are sandwiched from the left and right sides, and extends in the front-back direction. In addition, the upper edge of the sidewall portion 23A slopes up and down in the front-back direction along the inclination of the first inclined portion 41A and the second inclined portion 41B. At the two ends of the first inclined portion 41A in the left-right direction, flange portions 41C are formed that bend downward and cover the upper edge of the sidewall portion 23A from the outer side in the left-right direction.

[0093] The two ends of the second inclined portion 41B in the left and right directions extend to the outer side in the left and right directions, which is further outward than the side wall portion 23A. At the two ends of the second inclined portion 41B in the left and right directions, there are flange portions 41D that bend downward and cover the upper edge of the side wall portion 23A from the outer side in the left and right directions.

[0094] Water flowing from the heat dissipation hole 31 to the rear portion 41 of the plate directly below is restricted from moving rearward by the first inclined portion 41A and from moving forward by the second inclined portion 41B and the rib 43. Therefore, water tends to concentrate in one location in the rear portion 41 in the front-to-back direction, and when a certain amount of water accumulates, it overflows from the rear portion 41 to the left and right. In this embodiment, flanges 41C and 41D are formed in the first inclined portion 41A and the second inclined portion 41B to prevent water from spreading to the back side, i.e., the bottom side, of the metal plate 40.

[0095] Figure 12 This is a view of the lower surface of the cover component 30. (See diagram below.) Figure 12As shown, a contact portion 33 protruding downward from the lower surface side is formed on the cover member 30. When the cover member 30 is mounted above the housing member 20, the lower end of the contact portion 33 contacts the metal plate 40 from above at a position along the partition 23. More specifically, the contact portion 33 is shaped to substantially overlap with the partition 23 when viewed from above.

[0096] The metal plate 40 is pressed from above by the contact portion 33 along the partition portion 23. This increases the contact area between the metal plate 40 and the partition portion 23, reducing the gap between them. Therefore, the area surrounded by the partition portion 23 is sealed by the partition portion 23, the metal plate 40, and the bottom surface 22A of the base 21A, preventing water from reaching the circuit boards 51, 53, 55, cameras 61, 63, etc., inside the area. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear portion 41 of the plate is fixed by clamping it vertically between the partition portion 23 and the contact portion 33. Therefore, the time required to fix the metal plate 40 to the housing component 20 can be reduced.

[0097] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of camera assembly 1 in the same cross-section as XX. A lateral contact portion 33A is formed in the contact portion 33, extending back and forth along the side wall portion 23A of the partition portion 23. The lateral contact portion 33A presses the rear portion 41 of the metal plate 40 against the side wall portion 23A. A second drain hole 33A1 is formed in the lateral contact portion 33A, penetrating the lateral contact portion 33A in the left-right direction. The second drain hole 33A1 is open on the lower side of the lateral contact portion 33A. Multiple second drain holes 33A1 are formed in the lateral contact portion 33A. Through the second drain holes 33A1, water on the rear portion 41 can flow to the left-right outer side of the lateral contact portion 33A, reaching the flange portions 41C and 41D.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, a shielding portion 37 is formed on the cover member 30. The shielding portion 37 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the cover member 30 and extends in the left-right direction. The shielding portion 37 is located between the rib 43 and the heat dissipation hole 31 in the front-back direction. More specifically, the shielding portion 37 is close to the rib 43 in the front-back direction. In addition, the lower end of the shielding portion 37 is located lower than the upper end of the rib 43. Therefore, water flowing in from the heat dissipation hole 31 is blocked by the rib 43 and the shielding portion 37, and its movement is restricted to the side forward of the rib 43.

[0099] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 13As shown, a first drainage hole 28 is formed on the bottom surface 22A of the base 21A, extending vertically through the bottom surface 22A. The first drainage hole 28 is located on the outer side of the side wall portion 23A in the left-right direction. In other words, the side wall portion 23A of the partition portion 23 separates the power circuit board 51 and the sensor circuit board 53 from the first drainage hole 28. The first drainage hole 28 connects the interior of the housing 10 with the exterior. The first drainage hole 28 is provided substantially throughout the bottom surface 22A in the front-back direction.

[0100] As described above, the bottom surface 22A is positioned at a distance of a predetermined gap from the top surface 120A by means of the feet 22A1 located at the four corners of the bottom surface 22A. In this embodiment, the predetermined gap is 2 mm. Therefore, the first drain hole 28 is not blocked by the top surface 120A, and drainage can be discharged from the inside of the housing 10 to the outside through the first drain hole 28.

[0101] [1-1-4. The structure involved in setting up the camera components]

[0102] The following describes the structure that makes alignment during camera assembly 1 setup easier, and the structure that prevents camera assembly 1 from moving after setup.

[0103] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown, a first adsorption portion 24A is provided on the bottom surface 22A of the base 21A. The first adsorption portion 24A is a structure in which a magnet 57 is disposed opposite a notch (cut hole) 27 that penetrates vertically through the bottom surface 22A. The top and sides of the magnet 57 are covered by a magnetic yoke. The magnet 57 is exposed above and below the bottom surface 22A through the notch 27. In addition, there is a gap between the notch 27 and the magnet 57, through which water or air can enter and exit the interior and exterior of the housing 10. The first adsorption portion 24A is located in the center of the bottom surface 22A in the left-right direction. The first adsorption portion 24A is located at the front of the bottom surface 22A. In addition, when viewed from above, the first adsorption portion 24A is formed inside the area surrounded by the partition portion 23.

[0104] A second adsorption part 24B is provided on the bottom surface 22A. The second adsorption part 24B is a structure composed of two adsorption structures 24B1 and 24B2 arranged horizontally. Each of the adsorption structures 24B1 and 24B2 has a magnet 57 disposed opposite a notch 27 that extends vertically through the bottom surface 22A. That is, the adsorption structures 24B1 and 24B2 have the same structure as the first adsorption part 24A. Therefore, the adsorption force generated by the magnetism of the second adsorption part 24B is greater than the adsorption force generated by the magnetism of the first adsorption part 24A. In this embodiment, the adsorption force of the second adsorption part 24B is approximately twice the adsorption force of the first adsorption part 24A.

[0105] like Figure 8As shown, the adsorption structures 24B1 and 24B2 are located at the same position in the front-rear direction. The adsorption structures 24B1 and 24B2 are respectively disposed at the rear end of the bottom surface 22A. That is, the second adsorption portion 24B is located further rearward than the first adsorption portion 24A. The position occupied by the first adsorption portion 24A in the front-rear direction does not overlap with the position occupied by the second adsorption portion 24B in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the adsorption structures 24B1 and 24B2 are formed on the outer and rearward side of the area surrounded by the partition portion 23.

[0106] The magnets 57, located at the first adsorption section 24A and the second adsorption section 24B, are positioned in a location that does not overlap with the power circuit board 51 when viewed from above. Similarly, the magnets 57 are positioned in a location that does not overlap with the sensor circuit board 53, the SoC circuit board 55, the power harness 51B, and the FFC cable 83 when viewed from above.

[0107] The circuit boards 51, 53, 55 and the sensors 65, 67, 69, etc., are connected by multiple wire harnesses 81. The wire harnesses 81 are, for example, cables with internal wires that transmit power or signals.

[0108] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a magnet housing 59 is mounted on the bottom surface 22A, covering the first adsorption part 24A from above. The magnet housing 59 is a generally rectangular box-shaped structure with an opening at the bottom. The magnet housing 59 is made of, for example, the same flame-retardant resin as the housing component 20. The magnet housing 59 is positioned below the metal plate 40. The space where the circuit boards 51, 53, 55, etc., are installed is separated from the space where the first adsorption part 24A is installed by the magnet housing 59. Therefore, it is possible to prevent air from entering the housing 10 through the gap between the magnet 57 and the notch 27 in the first adsorption part 24A from reaching the space where the circuit boards 51, 53, 55, etc. are installed.

[0109] Furthermore, the magnet housing 59 protrudes above the surface above the bottom surface 22A. This ensures the proper distance between the magnet 57 of the first adsorption section 24A and the connected wire harness 81.

[0110] Figure 14 yes Figure 11The XV-XV cross-sectional view shows the camera assembly 1 viewed from the front with doors 121A and 121B open. As described above, a downwardly extending position limiting portion 26 is formed at the front end of the bottom surface 22A of the base 21A. The position limiting portion 26 is formed as a flat plate perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The position limiting portion 26 contacts the front edge 120B of the main body 120 of the cold storage 100 from the front. The front edge 120B is the front end of the edge of the opening at the front of the main body 120. The position limiting portion 26 restricts the rearward movement of the camera assembly 1 by contacting the front edge 120B.

[0111] As described above, a first positioning part 26A is provided in front of the position limiting part 26. In this embodiment, the first positioning part 26A is a mark that can be visually observed from the front. The first positioning part 26A is provided at the center in the left-right direction of the camera assembly 1.

[0112] A position designator 120B1 is provided on the upper part of the front edge 120B. With the doors 121A and 121B open, the position designator 120B1 can be visually observed from the front. In this embodiment, the position designator 120B1 is a protrusion extending forward from the front edge 120B. The position designator 120B1 is formed in the center of the cold storage 100 in the left-right direction.

[0113] like Figure 14 As shown, the camera assembly 1 is positioned so that the position of the first positioning part 26A in the left-right direction coincides with the position of the position designator 120B1 in the left-right direction. With the camera assembly 1 positioned in this manner, it can appropriately capture images of food placed in or taken out of the refrigerator 100. In other words, by aligning the left-right positions of the first positioning part 26A and the position designator 120B1, the user can position the camera assembly 1 to appropriately capture images of food placed in or taken out of the refrigerator 100.

[0114] Alternatively, a protrusion can be provided at the base 21A of the camera assembly 1, and a recess can be provided on the top surface 120A of the main body 120 of the cold storage 100. By fitting the protrusion of the camera assembly 1 into the recess of the cold storage 100, the camera assembly 1 can be positioned to appropriately capture images of various parts of the cold storage 100 or to retrieve food items placed in or removed from those parts. Alternatively, a recess can be provided in the camera assembly 1, and a protrusion in the cold storage 100. The protrusion and recess of the camera assembly 1 are examples of a "position limiting part".

[0115] [1-2. Functions, etc.]

[0116] The function of the camera assembly 1 configured as described above will be explained.

[0117] In this embodiment, since the housing component 20 is composed of a base 21A with a large height dimension and a shooting part 21B with a small height dimension, the base 21A of the housing component 20 is difficult to see from the outside, while only the shooting part 21B is easily visible from the outside. As a result, the camera assembly 1 can appear to be a slim shape for the user.

[0118] Furthermore, since the power circuit board 51, which has a relatively large height, is placed in the base 21A, which has a large height, located at the rear, the front shooting part 21B can be made slim, making the camera assembly 1 appear simple in appearance.

[0119] Furthermore, since an inclined portion 30A is formed in front of the upper surface of the cover member 30, by further reducing the thickness of the front end portion of the cover member 30, the camera assembly 1 can appear to be a slimmer shape for the user.

[0120] In addition, the housing component 20 is provided with a position limiting part 26 that contacts the front edge of the main body 120 of the cold storage 100 from the front, so as to suppress the camera assembly 1 from moving backward.

[0121] Furthermore, thanks to the position limiting unit 26, even when the base 21A is subjected to a rearward force by pressing the main power switch 93A, the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection switch 93B, and the camera start switch 93C, the rearward movement of the camera assembly 1 can be suppressed.

[0122] Furthermore, the glass cover 90, which covers the lenses of the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63, makes the camera section look simple.

[0123] Furthermore, an opening 92 is formed in the glass cover 90 at the position corresponding to the thermopile 67, so infrared light can be directly taken into the thermopile 67 without passing through the glass cover 90, thus enabling accurate detection of the thermopile 67.

[0124] Furthermore, a lens section 91 is formed on the glass cover 90 at a position corresponding to the LED 70 to focus the light irradiated from the LED 70. Therefore, the lens section 91 can focus the light irradiated from the LED 70 and can also irradiate the parts below the vegetable compartment 125, the freezer compartment 124, etc. of the cold storage 100.

[0125] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0126] As explained above, the camera assembly 1 of this embodiment includes a housing component 20 that houses at least a power circuit board 51 and a camera. The housing component 20 is composed of a base 21A located at the rear and a shooting part 21B that extends forward of the base 21A and is smaller in size relative to the height of the base 21A. The power circuit is disposed inside the base 21A.

[0127] Therefore, by placing the power circuit board 51, which has a relatively large height, on the base 21A, which has a large height, located at the rear, the front shooting part 21B can be made slim, making the camera assembly 1 look simple in appearance.

[0128] As explained above, the camera assembly 1 of this embodiment includes a housing component 20 that houses at least a power circuit board 51 and a camera. The housing component 20 is composed of a base 21A located at the rear and a shooting section 21B extending forward of the base 21A. The power circuit is disposed inside the base 21A.

[0129] Therefore, by placing the power circuit board 51 in the base 21A at the rear, the front shooting section 21B can be made slim, making the camera assembly 1 look simple in appearance.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base 21A of the camera assembly 1 is formed to be larger in height than the shooting section 21B.

[0131] Therefore, by placing the power circuit board 51, which has a relatively large height, on the base 21A, which has a large height, located at the rear, the front shooting part 21B can be made slim, making the camera assembly 1 look simple in appearance.

[0132] In addition, the camera assembly 1 of this embodiment is provided with a position limiting part 26 on the housing component 20, which limits the position relative to the main body 120 of the cold storage 100.

[0133] Therefore, the position limiting part 26 can be used to suppress the rearward movement of the camera assembly 1.

[0134] In addition, the position limiting part 26 of the camera assembly 1 in this embodiment contacts the front edge of the main body 120 of the cold storage 100 from the front.

[0135] Therefore, the position limiting part 26 can be used to suppress the rearward movement of the camera assembly 1.

[0136] In addition, in the camera assembly 1 of this embodiment, a wide-angle camera 61 and a narrow-angle camera 63 (cameras) are disposed at the front end of the shooting unit 21B, and a glass cover 90 (cover) covering the lenses of the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63 is provided on the lower surface of the front end of the shooting unit 21B.

[0137] Therefore, by covering the lenses of the wide-angle camera 61 and the narrow-angle camera 63 with a glass cover 90, the camera section can be made to look simple.

[0138] In addition, the camera assembly 1 of this embodiment houses a thermopile 67 in the shooting section 21B, and an opening 92 is formed in the glass cover 90 (cover) at a position corresponding to the thermopile 67.

[0139] Therefore, by providing the opening 92, infrared light can be directly taken in relative to the thermopile 67 without passing through the glass cover 90, thus enabling accurate detection based on the thermopile 67.

[0140] In addition, in the camera assembly 1 of this embodiment, an LED 70 (light-emitting device) is housed in the shooting section 21B, and a lens section 91 is formed in the glass cover 90 (cover) at a position corresponding to the LED 70 to focus the light emitted from the LED 70.

[0141] Therefore, the light emitted from the LED70 is focused by the lens 91, and light can also be irradiated onto the parts below the vegetable compartment 125, the freezer compartment 124, etc. of the cold storage 100.

[0142] In addition, the camera assembly 1 of this embodiment is provided with a main power switch 93A, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection switch 93B, and a camera start switch 93C (switch) on the front side of the base 21A.

[0143] Therefore, even when the main power switch 93A, the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection switch 93B, and the camera start switch 93C are pressed and a rearward force is applied relative to the base 21A, the rearward movement of the camera assembly 1 can be suppressed.

[0144] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are used to illustrate the technology of this utility model, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0145] (Postscript)

[0146] The following technology has been disclosed through the above description of the embodiments.

[0147] (Technology 1) A camera assembly capable of being mounted on the top surface of a cold storage room to photograph the cold storage room, wherein the assembly includes a housing component capable of housing at least a power circuit board and a camera, the housing component comprising a base located at a rear portion and a shooting portion extending forward of the base portion, the power circuit board being disposed inside the base portion.

[0148] According to this structure, since the power circuit board is located at the base at the rear, the front shooting part can be made slim, making the camera assembly look simple in appearance.

[0149] (Technology 2) The camera assembly according to Technology 1, wherein the height dimension of the base is larger than the height dimension of the shooting part.

[0150] According to this structure, since the power circuit board with a relatively large height is placed in the base with a large height at the rear, the front shooting part can be made slim, and the camera assembly 1 can look simple in appearance.

[0151] (Technology 3) The camera assembly according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the housing component is provided with a position limiting part that limits the position relative to the main body of the cold storage.

[0152] According to this structure, the position limiting part can be used to suppress the rearward movement of the camera assembly.

[0153] (Technology 4) The camera assembly according to Technology 3, wherein the position limiting part contacts the front edge of the main body of the cold storage from the front.

[0154] According to this structure, the position limiting part can be used to suppress the rearward movement of the camera assembly.

[0155] (Technology 5) A camera assembly according to any one of Technologies 1 to 4, wherein the camera is disposed at the front end of the shooting section, and a cover for a lens covering the camera is provided on the lower surface of the front end of the shooting section.

[0156] According to this structure, by covering the camera lens with a cover, the camera section can be made to look simple.

[0157] (Technology 6) The camera assembly according to Technology 5, wherein a thermopile is housed in the shooting section and an opening is formed in the cover at a position corresponding to the thermopile.

[0158] According to this structure, by setting an opening, infrared light can be directly taken in relative to the thermopile without passing through the cover, thus enabling accurate thermopile-based detection.

[0159] (Technology 7) The camera assembly according to Technology 3 or 4, wherein a light-emitting device is housed in the shooting section, and a lens section is formed in the cover at a position corresponding to the light-emitting device to focus the light emitted from the light-emitting device.

[0160] According to this structure, the light emitted from the light-emitting device is focused by the lens section, thereby enabling light to be emitted into the lower parts of the cold storage, such as the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment.

[0161] (Technology 8) The camera assembly according to any one of Technology 1 to 7, wherein a switch is disposed on the front side of the base.

[0162] According to this structure, even when a force is applied backward relative to the base by pressing the switch, the rearward movement of the camera assembly can be suppressed.

[0163] Industrial availability

[0164] As described above, the camera assembly of this invention can make the front shooting part slim relative to the base of the power circuit board, and can be appropriately used in a camera assembly that can look simple in appearance.

[0165] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0166] 1 Camera Components

[0167] 10 housing

[0168] 10A rear

[0169] 10B front

[0170] 20 housing components

[0171] 21A base

[0172] 21B Filming Department

[0173] 21A1 front end

[0174] 23 Divider

[0175] 24A First Adsorption Section

[0176] 24B Second Adsorption Section

[0177] 26 Position Restriction Section

[0178] 30 Covering Components

[0179] 30A Inclined Section

[0180] 31 heat dissipation holes

[0181] 33 Contact Department

[0182] 37 sheltered areas

[0183] 40 metal plate

[0184] 41 plate rear

[0185] 41A First Inclined Section

[0186] 41B Second Inclined Section

[0187] 41C flange portion

[0188] 41D flange portion

[0189] 43 ribs

[0190] 45 plate central part

[0191] 46 Heat dissipation section

[0192] 47 plate front

[0193] 51 power supply circuit board

[0194] 51B power harness

[0195] 53 sensor circuit board

[0196] 55 SoC circuit board

[0197] 57 magnets

[0198] 59 Magnet Housing

[0199] 61 wide-angle camera

[0200] 63 narrow-angle camera

[0201] 65 rangefinder

[0202] 67 thermopile

[0203] 70 LED

[0204] 90 glass dome

[0205] 91 Lens Section

[0206] 92 opening

[0207] 93 switch

[0208] 93A Main Power Switch

[0209] 93B Connection Switch

[0210] 93C Camera Power Switch

[0211] 100 Cold Storage

[0212] 120 main box

[0213] 121A door

[0214] 121 Refrigeration Room

[0215] Ice making room 122

[0216] 123 Fresh Freezer

[0217] 124 Freezer

[0218] 125 Vegetable Room.

Claims

1. A camera assembly capable of being mounted on the top surface of a cold storage room to film the cold storage room, characterized in that: This includes a housing component that can at least accommodate the power circuit board and camera. The housing component consists of a base located at the rear and a camera portion extending forward from the base. The power circuit board is disposed inside the base.

2. The camera assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height dimension of the base is larger than the height dimension of the imaging part.

3. The camera assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shell component is provided with a position limiting part that limits the position relative to the main body of the cold storage.

4. The camera assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The position limiting part contacts the front edge of the main body of the cold storage from the front.

5. The camera assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The camera is positioned at the front end of the imaging unit. A cover is provided on the lower surface of the front end of the shooting part to cover the lens of the camera.

6. The camera assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The thermopile is housed in the imaging unit. An opening is formed in the cover at a position corresponding to the thermopile.

7. The camera assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The light-emitting device is housed in the imaging unit. A lens portion is formed on the cover at a position corresponding to the light-emitting device to focus the light emitted from the light-emitting device.

8. The camera assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: A switch is disposed on the front side of the base.

Images