On-camera flash

Abstract

An on-camera flash, which belongs to the technical field of photography lighting. An on-camera flash (100) comprises a flash main unit (1) and a hot shoe base (2), wherein the hot shoe base (2) is connected to the flash main unit (1). The hot shoe base (2) comprises a hot shoe interface (21) and a signal conversion module (22). The hot shoe interface (21) is used for connecting to an external device (e.g., a hot shoe camera), and the signal conversion module (22) is electrically connected to the hot shoe interface (21), so as to convert an input / output signal of the hot shoe interface (21) into a universal input / output signal. The signal conversion module (22) is also electrically connected to a main-unit main control module (10), so as to transmit the converted universal input / output signal to the main-unit main control module (10). By means of arranging the signal conversion module (22) on the hot shoe base (2), an input / output signal of the hot shoe interface (21) can be converted into a universal input / output signal, such that an on-camera flash body can be compatible with hot shoe cameras of different brands, and thus the utilization rate of the on-camera flash body can be improved.

Description

On-screen flash

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422096609.5, filed on August 28, 2024, entitled "On-Camera Flash", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of photographic lighting, and more particularly to an on-camera flash. Background Technology

[0003] For on-camera flash units on the market, whether in master mode, on-camera flash mode, or slave mode, the hot shoe interface must be compatible with the camera brand when communicating with the camera. For example, an on-camera flash unit communicating with a Canon camera must have a Canon hot shoe interface; an on-camera flash unit communicating with a Nikon camera must have a Nikon hot shoe interface. The internal circuitry of a flash unit typically uses a master controller to couple the hot shoe interface circuitry, lamp drive control module, focus motor module, LCD screen display module, and flash charging module into a complete circuit. Due to the differences in hot shoe interface specifications and signal transmission between manufacturers, existing on-camera flash units cannot be compatible with the hot shoe interfaces of multiple camera brands. This results in low utilization of the on-camera flash units themselves, requiring different models of on-camera flash units to be supplied for different camera models, thus increasing production costs.

[0004] Utility Model Content

[0005] The main objective of this disclosure is to propose a top-mounted flash unit that, by setting a signal conversion module on the hot shoe base, can convert the input and output signals of the hot shoe interface into universal input and output signals, thereby making the top-mounted flash unit compatible with hot shoe cameras of different brands and improving the utilization rate of the top-mounted flash unit.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this application provides an on-camera flash, comprising: a flash host, the flash host including a host main control module;

[0007] A hot shoe mount is provided, which is connected to the main unit of the flash unit. The hot shoe mount includes a hot shoe interface and a signal conversion module. The hot shoe interface is used to connect to external devices, and the signal conversion module is electrically connected to the hot shoe interface. The signal conversion module is configured to convert the input and output signals of the hot shoe interface into general-purpose input and output signals.

[0008] The signal conversion module is also electrically connected to the host main control module, and the signal conversion module is also configured to transmit the converted general input / output signal to the host main control module.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the signal conversion module includes a first general-purpose input / output interface, a hot shoe main control module, and a second general-purpose input / output interface;

[0010] The first general-purpose input / output interface is electrically connected to the hot shoe interface, and the first general-purpose input / output interface is also electrically connected to the hot shoe main control module;

[0011] The hot shoe main control module is also electrically connected to the second general-purpose input / output interface, and the second general-purpose input / output interface is also electrically connected to the host main control module;

[0012] The hot shoe master control module is configured to convert the input / output signals of the hot shoe interface connected by the first general-purpose input / output interface into general-purpose input / output signals, and transmit the converted general-purpose input / output signals to the host master control module through the second general-purpose input / output interface.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the signal conversion module further includes a level conversion module, one end of which is connected to the first general-purpose input / output interface, and the other end of which is connected to the hot shoe main control module;

[0014] The level conversion module is configured to convert the input signal of the hot shoe interface connected by the first general-purpose input / output interface and then input it to the hot shoe main control module.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the signal conversion module further includes a logic conversion module, one end of which is connected to the first general-purpose input / output interface, and the other end of which is connected to the hot shoe main control module;

[0016] The logic conversion module is configured to perform logic conversion on the control signals sent by the host main control module received by the hot shoe main control module and then output them to the hot shoe interface via the first general-purpose input / output interface.

[0017] In one embodiment of this application, the hot shoe base includes a base circuit board and a connecting flexible circuit board. The signal conversion module is disposed on the base circuit board. The base circuit board is electrically connected to the host module through the connecting flexible circuit board. The second general-purpose input / output interface includes multiple signal channels. The connecting flexible circuit board is provided with multiple signal connection lines, and the multiple signal connection lines correspond one-to-one with the multiple signal channels.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the on-camera flash further includes a first connector and a second connector. One end of the connecting flexible circuit board is connected to the second universal input / output interface through the first connector, and the other end of the connecting flexible circuit board is connected to the host main control module through the second connector.

[0019] In one embodiment of this application, the plurality of signal channels include a flash trigger signal forwarding channel, a transmit signal channel, and a receive signal channel. The flash trigger signal forwarding channel is used to forward the flash trigger signal of the hot shoe interface to the host control module. The transmit signal channel is used to transmit any one or more of the mode signal, flash parameter adjustment signal, and focus detection signal received by the hot shoe interface from the external device to the host control module. The receive signal channel is used to receive the on-camera flash connection in place signal output by the host control module.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, the plurality of signal channels further includes a communication mode channel, a clock signal channel, and a status indication channel. The communication mode channel is used to characterize the communication direction between the on-camera flash and the external device. The clock signal channel is used to transmit the camera clock signal received by the hot shoe interface. The status indication channel is used to output the busy or idle state of the host control module to the signal conversion module.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, the hot shoe base is provided with a connecting structure, and the hot shoe base is fixedly connected to the flash unit through the connecting structure.

[0022] In one embodiment of this application, the host control module includes a general-purpose input / output interface (GPIO). The host control module is connected to a functional component through the GPIO. The host control module is configured to send control signals to the functional component through the GPIO, or the host control module is configured to receive trigger signals issued by the functional component through the GPIO.

[0023] In one embodiment of this application, the flash unit includes a light-emitting mechanism, which is electrically connected to the main control module of the main unit. The flash trigger signal emitted by the external device is transmitted to the light-emitting mechanism in sequence through the hot shoe interface, the signal conversion module and the main control module of the main unit, so that the light-emitting mechanism emits a flash.

[0024] In one embodiment of this application, the light-emitting mechanism is configured as an LED lamp or a xenon lamp.

[0025] In one embodiment of this application, the light-emitting mechanism includes an LED lamp and a xenon lamp. The flash trigger signal emitted by the external device is transmitted to the light-emitting mechanism in sequence through the hot shoe interface, the signal conversion module and the host main control module, so that the LED lamp and the xenon lamp flash simultaneously.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, the flash unit further includes a main circuit board, an LED flash circuit, and a xenon flash circuit;

[0027] The LED flash circuit and the xenon flash circuit are disposed on the host circuit board, and the host main control module is disposed on the host circuit board;

[0028] The LED flash circuit and the xenon flash circuit are electrically connected to the host main control module;

[0029] The LED light is electrically connected to the LED flashlight circuit;

[0030] The xenon lamp is electrically connected to the xenon flash lamp circuit.

[0031] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, the on-camera flash includes a flash unit and a hot shoe base, wherein the hot shoe base is connected to the flash unit. The hot shoe base includes a hot shoe interface and a signal conversion module. The hot shoe interface is used to connect external devices (such as camera hot shoes), and the signal conversion module is electrically connected to the hot shoe interface to convert the input / output signals of the hot shoe interface into universal input / output signals. The signal conversion module is also electrically connected to the host control module to transmit the converted universal input / output signals to the host control module. In this application, by setting a signal conversion module in the hot shoe base, the input / output signals of the hot shoe interface can be converted into universal input / output signals, thereby making the on-camera flash unit compatible with hot shoe cameras of different brands and improving the utilization rate of the on-camera flash unit. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an on-camera flash provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the signal processing of an on-camera flash provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot shoe base provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connecting flexible board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flash unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 6 is a circuit block diagram of an on-camera flash provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100: On-camera flash; 200: Camera; 300: Functional component; 1: Flash unit; 10: Main unit control module; 101: Universal input / output interface; 11: Flash head; 12: Body; 13: Rotating shaft; 111: Housing; 112: Focusing lens; 1111: Light outlet; 121: Main circuit board; 122: Rechargeable battery; 13: Light-emitting mechanism; 131: LED lamp; 132: Xenon lamp; 2: Hot shoe base; 21: Hot shoe interface; 22: Signal conversion module; 221: First universal input / output interface; 222: Hot shoe main control module; 223: Second universal input / output interface; 224: Level conversion module; 225: Logic conversion module; 23: Base circuit board; 24: Connecting flexible circuit board; 240: Flexible substrate; 241: First signal connection line; 242: Second signal connection line; 243: Third signal connection line; 244: Fourth signal connection line; 245: Fifth signal connection line; 246: Sixth signal connection line; 25: Connection structure; 29: First connector. LED flash circuit 51, xenon flash circuit 52, capacitor energy storage circuit 501, first flash control circuit 502, second flash control circuit 503. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that this disclosure can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and the descriptions and illustrations therein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be understood that, in the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the indications of direction or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, and back) are merely for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. These descriptions are appropriate when these elements are in the positions shown in the accompanying drawings. If the description of the positions of these elements changes, these directional indications also change accordingly.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are configured for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] For on-camera flash units on the market, whether in master mode, on-camera flash mode, or slave mode, the hot shoe interface must be compatible with the camera brand when communicating with the camera. For example, an on-camera flash unit communicating with a Canon camera must have a Canon hot shoe interface; an on-camera flash unit communicating with a Nikon camera must have a Nikon hot shoe interface. The internal circuitry of a flash unit typically uses a master controller to couple the hot shoe interface circuitry, lamp drive control module, focus motor module, LCD screen display module, and flash charging module into a complete circuit. Due to the differences in hot shoe interface specifications and signal transmission between manufacturers, existing on-camera flash units cannot be compatible with the hot shoe interfaces of multiple camera brands. This results in low utilization of the on-camera flash units, requiring different models of on-camera flash units to be supplied for different camera models. This leads to higher production costs and inconvenience for future upgrades and maintenance.

[0043] Based on this, this application provides a top-mounted flash unit. By setting a signal conversion module on the hot shoe base, the input and output signals of the hot shoe interface can be converted into universal input and output signals, thereby making the top-mounted flash unit compatible with hot shoe cameras of different brands and improving the utilization rate of the top-mounted flash unit.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1-5, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an on-camera flash according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the signal processing of an on-camera flash according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot shoe mount according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connecting flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flash unit according to an embodiment of this application. The on-camera flash 100 includes a flash unit 1 and a hot shoe mount 2. The hot shoe mount 2 is connected to the flash unit 1. The hot shoe mount 2 is provided with a hot shoe interface 21, which is used to connect external devices such as camera hot shoes. The flash unit 1 is connected to the camera hot shoe through the hot shoe interface 21 in the hot shoe mount 2, which enables the electrical connection between the flash unit 1 and the camera, and enables the flash unit 1 and the camera to work synchronously. The hot shoe is a device integrated on the camera, which allows an external flash to be connected to the camera 200. The camera 200 with a hot shoe has an additional slot to allow an additional flash to communicate with the camera. When taking a photo, the hot shoe sends a signal to the on-camera flash 100 to ensure that the on-camera flash 100 fires when the shutter is activated. For ordinary photography, the built-in flash of a typical camera is sufficient. For photographers who pursue high-quality images, an external flash can provide better lighting conditions, allow for different angles of illumination, adjust the brightness of the light, and is more durable. In this embodiment, the hot shoe interface 21 in the hot shoe base 2 enables electrical connection between the flash unit 1 and the camera 200. However, considering the different specifications and signal transmission of the hot shoe interfaces 21 from different manufacturers and brands, the existing on-camera flash 100 cannot be adapted to the hot shoe interfaces 21 of various camera brands, resulting in low utilization of the on-camera flash 100. Based on this, this embodiment provides a signal conversion module 22 in the hot shoe base 2. The signal conversion module 22 is electrically connected to the hot shoe interface 21 and also electrically connected to the main control module 10 in the flash unit 1. The signal conversion module 22 can convert the input and output signals of the hot shoe interface 21 into universal input and output signals, and transmit the converted universal input and output signals to the host control module 10 in the flash unit 1, so that the flash unit 1 can be compatible with hot shoe cameras of different brands and improve the utilization rate of the flash unit 1.

[0045] In this embodiment, the on-camera flash 100 is electrically connected to the camera 200, so that when shooting with the camera 200, the on-camera flash 100 can provide illumination for the object or scene to be photographed under low light conditions. In order to achieve the best color rendering, the color of the on-camera flash 100 can be matched with the color tone of the subject and / or the entire photographic scene, thereby improving the quality of the captured image.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the signal processing module 22 includes a first general-purpose input / output interface 221, a hot shoe master control module 222, and a second general-purpose input / output interface 223. The first general-purpose input / output interface 221 is electrically connected to the hot shoe interface 21 and also electrically connected to the hot shoe master control module 222. The hot shoe master control module 222 is also electrically connected to the second general-purpose input / output interface 223, which is further electrically connected to the host master control module 10 in the flash unit 1. The hot shoe master control module 222 is configured to convert the input / output signals from the hot shoe interface 21 connected to the first general-purpose input / output interface 221 into general-purpose input / output signals, and then transmit the converted general-purpose input / output signals to the host master control module 10 through the second general-purpose input / output interface 223.

[0047] In some embodiments, referring to FIG2, the signal conversion module includes a level conversion module 224 and a logic conversion module 225. One end of the level conversion module 224 is connected to the first general-purpose input / output interface 221, and the other end is connected to the hot shoe master control module 222. One end of the logic conversion module 225 is connected to the first general-purpose input / output interface 221, and the other end is connected to the hot shoe master control module 222. The level conversion module 224 is configured to convert the input signal from the hot shoe interface 21 connected to the first general-purpose input / output interface 221 and then input it to the hot shoe master control module 222. The logic conversion module 225 is configured to logically convert the control signal received by the hot shoe master control module 222 from the host master control module 10 and then output it to the hot shoe interface 21 via the first general-purpose input / output interface 221.

[0048] In this embodiment, the hot shoe interface 21 is used to connect to external devices such as a camera hot shoe to receive control signals sent from the camera. The level conversion module 224 then converts the control signals and transmits them to the hot shoe main control module 222. The hot shoe main control module 222 processes the signals and transmits them to the host main control module 10 in the flash unit 1. The host main control module 10 controls the corresponding functional components according to the camera's control signals. In this embodiment, the hot shoe interface contacts (CLK, SI, etc.) and the pins of the hot shoe main control module 222 have a one-to-one correspondence, converting the level and function definition represented by the hot shoe interface into a single or multiple high / low level. Specifically, the hot shoe main control module 222 converts the original hot shoe interface 21 into a unified interface, while the functional meaning is handled by the communication between the circuit board corresponding to the hot shoe main control module and the circuit board corresponding to the host main control module.

[0049] For example, the camera sends a flash trigger signal X-SYNC, which is connected to the first general-purpose input / output interface 221 through the hot shoe interface 21. The flash trigger signal X-SYNC outputs a low-level signal through the first general-purpose input / output interface 221. After level conversion by the level conversion module, the low-level signal is transmitted to the signal input interface corresponding to the hot shoe master control module 222, and then further output by the signal output interface corresponding to the hot shoe master control module 222 to the signal input interface corresponding to the host master control module 10. The host master control module 10 triggers the flash to flash based on the low-level signal of the signal input interface.

[0050] In this embodiment, the signals transmitted from the on-camera flash 100 to the camera generally include signals indicating that the on-camera flash is installed correctly, the flash power level is high, or whether it is ready. The signals returned from the on-camera flash 100 to the camera are first transmitted to the hot shoe main control module 222 via the main control module 10, and then flow into the hot shoe main control module 222 via the second general-purpose input / output interface 223. After being processed by the hot shoe main control module 222, the signals are transmitted to the logic conversion module 225. After being logically converted by the logic conversion module 225, the signals flow into the hot shoe interface via the first general-purpose input / output interface 221, so that the camera can receive the signals returned by the on-camera flash 100.

[0051] In this embodiment, by setting up the signal conversion module 22, a bridge for signal transmission between the on-camera flash 100 and the camera can be built, and the basic IO ports (i.e., input and output ports) can be allocated. This reduces the coupling between the circuit of the hot shoe interface 21 and the circuit of the main control module 10. The interface identification part can be separated out, and the meaning of the signals between the interfaces can be flexibly defined by the program. The signal transmission between the hot shoe main control module 222 and the main control module 10 is transmitted by data packets. As a result, the flash host structure and its corresponding circuit can be universal between different models of camera hot shoes. Only the contact pin interface structure of the hot shoe base needs to be replaced, and the corresponding control program needs to be burned. There is no need to design different board circuits for the entire flash unit circuit structure.

[0052] In some embodiments, referring to FIG2, the host control module 10 includes a general-purpose input / output interface 101. The host control module 10 is connected to the functional component 300 through the general-purpose input / output interface 101. The host control module 10 is configured to send control signals to the functional component 300 through the general-purpose input / output interface 101, or to receive trigger signals from the functional component 300 through the general-purpose input / output interface 101. The functional component 300 may include a flash source, indicator lights, a display screen, a motor / stepper motor, operation buttons / knobs, a buzzer, etc. That is, the host control module 10 can receive control signals from the camera and control the corresponding functional component 300 to operate based on the control signals. For example, if the camera sends a flash trigger signal, the flash trigger signal is transmitted to the host control module 10 via the hot shoe interface 21, the first general-purpose input / output interface 221, the level conversion module 224, the hot shoe control module 222, and the second general-purpose input / output interface 223. The host control module 10 then sends a control signal to the flash source based on the flash trigger signal to control the flash source to flash.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 1. In this embodiment, the main body 1 of the flash unit includes a lamp head 11 and a body 12. The lamp head 11 is equipped with a light focusing device (not shown in the figure) for changing the focal length of the flash unit.

[0054] In some embodiments, referring to FIG1, the flash head 11 includes a housing 111 and a focusing lens 112. The housing 111 has an internal cavity, and a light outlet 1111 is formed on the front surface of the housing 111, connecting the cavity to the external environment. The focusing lens 112 covers the light outlet 1111 of the housing 111 and is used to focus the light passing through it. The body 12 is rotatably connected to the housing 111 via a pivot 13, allowing the flash head 11 to tilt and rotate on the body 12, thereby changing the light output angle of the focusing device within the flash head 11 and further improving the ease of use of the flash unit 1.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the housing 111 of the lamp holder 11 can be made of a high-strength, heat-resistant material, which has good durability, heat dissipation, and impact resistance. The housing 111 can be a one-piece molded design, and the housing 111 can be horn-shaped. The internal cavity of the housing 111 can also be horn-shaped to facilitate the emission of light from within the cavity.

[0056] In some embodiments, the light-emitting port 1111 on the front end face of the housing 111 can be circular in shape. The light-emitting port 1111 connects the housing cavity of the housing 111 to the external environment, allowing the light emitted by the light source 13 inside the housing 111 to be emitted smoothly through the light-emitting port 1111. The diameter of the light-emitting port 1111 can be determined according to the size of the focusing lens 112 or the desired light effect.

[0057] In some embodiments, the focusing lens 112 can be a Fresnel lens, which has excellent optical focusing performance. The focusing lens 112 can be fixed to the light outlet 1111 of the housing 111 by a slot or screw to isolate the housing 111's accommodating cavity from the external environment, so that the light emitted by the light source 13 inside the housing 111 can be focused by the focusing lens 112 and then emitted. Furthermore, the curvature of the focusing lens 112 can be selected according to actual conditions to achieve the best light efficiency.

[0058] Referring to Figure 3, the hot shoe base 2 includes a base circuit board 23 and a connecting flexible circuit board 24. A signal conversion module 22 is disposed within the base circuit board 23, which is connected to the main circuit board 121 via the connecting flexible circuit board 24. That is, the signal conversion module 22 within the base circuit board 23 can be electrically connected to the main control module 10 within the main circuit board 121 via the connecting flexible circuit board 24. This enables signal interaction between the camera and the flash unit 1. Furthermore, the signal conversion module 22 converts the input / output signals of the hot shoe interface 21 into universal input / output signals, making the flash unit 1 compatible with hot shoe cameras of different brands and improving the utilization rate of the flash unit.

[0059] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4, the connecting flexible board 24 includes a flexible substrate 240 and multiple signal connection lines disposed on the flexible substrate 240. The signal connection lines can be printed copper foil lines or similar conductive lines. As an example, the multiple signal connection lines include a first signal connection line 241, a second signal connection line 242, a third signal connection line 243, a fourth signal connection line 244, a fifth signal connection line 245, and a sixth signal connection line 246. Correspondingly, the second general-purpose input / output interface 223 may include multiple signal channels, which are connected one-to-one with the multiple signal connection lines to realize the board-to-board general-purpose signal interface connection between the signal conversion module 22 and the host main control module 10. The multiple signal channels may include a flash trigger signal forwarding channel, a transmit signal channel, a receive signal channel, a communication mode channel, a clock signal channel, a status indication channel, etc. Among them, the flash trigger signal forwarding channel can be used to forward the flash trigger signal of the hot shoe interface 21 to the host main control module 10. The transmit signal channel can be used to transmit mode signals, flash parameter adjustment signals, and / or focus detection signals received from external devices via the hot shoe interface 21 to the host control module 10. The receive signal channel can be used to receive the on-camera flash connection in place signal output by the host control module 10. The communication mode channel can be used to characterize the communication direction between the on-camera flash 100 and the external device. For example, a high level indicates that a signal is transmitted from the on-camera flash 100 to the external device (such as a camera), and a low level indicates that a signal is transmitted from the external device to the on-camera flash 100. Alternatively, a low level indicates that a signal is transmitted from the on-camera flash 100 to the external device (such as a camera), and a high level indicates that a signal is transmitted from the external device to the on-camera flash 100. The clock signal channel can be used to transmit the camera clock signal received via the hot shoe interface 21. The status indication channel can be used to output the busy / idle status of the host control module 10 to the signal conversion module 22.

[0060] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4, the on-camera flash 100 may further include a first connector 29 and a second connector (not marked in the figure). The first connector 29 may be disposed in the hot shoe base 2, and one end of the connecting flexible circuit board 24 may be connected to a second universal output interface 223 via the first connector 29. The other end of the connecting flexible circuit board 24 may also be connected to the host main control module 10 via the second connector.

[0061] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3, the hot shoe base 2 further includes a connecting structure 25, through which the hot shoe base 2 can be fixedly connected to the flash unit 1, so that the hot shoe base 2 and the flash unit 1 form an integral structure.

[0062] In some embodiments, referring to FIG1, a light-emitting mechanism 13 is provided inside the lamp head 11, and the light-emitting mechanism 13 is installed in the accommodating cavity. The light emitted by the light-emitting mechanism 13 passes through the light-transmitting port and then is emitted through the focusing lens 112 on the housing 111. The main body 12 is provided with a main circuit board 121 and a rechargeable battery 122. The rechargeable battery 122 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 121. The main control module 10 is disposed in the main circuit board 121. The light-emitting mechanism 13 is electrically connected to the main control module 10 to receive control signals emitted by the main control module 10.

[0063] In some embodiments, the light-emitting mechanism 13 may include an LED lamp or a xenon lamp.

[0064] In some embodiments, referring to FIG5, the light-emitting mechanism 13 includes an LED lamp 131 and a xenon lamp 132. Both the LED lamp 131 and the xenon lamp 132 are electrically connected to the main circuit board 121, enabling the main circuit board 121 to control the operation of the LED lamp 131 and the xenon lamp 132. The light emitted by the LED lamp 131 and the light emitted by the xenon lamp 132 are both emitted from the light outlet.

[0065] The LED light 131 provides soft illumination to the subject, while the xenon light 132 provides high-brightness illumination. Therefore, by using the LED light 131 and xenon light 132, the flash can provide both soft and high-brightness illumination to the subject. It can also simultaneously use both LED light 131 and xenon light 132 for fill light, increasing the color intensity of the fill light, thus making the on-camera flash suitable for shooting scenarios with varying brightness. In other words, the on-camera flash of this application can meet the needs of different flash effects in different shooting scenarios, fully satisfying more personalized creative needs. Furthermore, it is convenient to use; simply turn on the appropriate light as needed.

[0066] The xenon lamp 132 can be placed in the optical path of the LED lamp 131, and the light-emitting area of ​​the LED lamp 131 coincides with the light-emitting area of ​​the xenon lamp 132, so that the position of the light spot generated by the LED lamp 131 in the flash is the same as the position of the light spot generated by the xenon lamp 132, thereby making the light output of the flash more uniform.

[0067] In this embodiment, the flash trigger signal emitted by the external device (such as a hot shoe camera) is transmitted sequentially through the hot shoe interface 21, the signal conversion module 22 and the host main control module 10 to the light-emitting mechanism 13, so that the LED lamp 131 and the xenon lamp 132 can flash simultaneously.

[0068] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, where Figure 6 is a circuit block diagram of an on-camera flash according to an embodiment of this application, an LED flash circuit 51 and a xenon flash circuit 52 are provided on the main circuit board 121. An LED lamp 131 is electrically connected to the LED flash circuit 51 and is controlled by the LED flash circuit 51. A xenon lamp 132 is electrically connected to the xenon flash circuit 52 and is controlled by the xenon flash circuit 52. Both the LED flash circuit 51 and the xenon flash circuit 52 are located on the main circuit board 121 and are electrically connected to the main control module 10. This allows the on-camera flash to be compatible with different existing camera models without requiring the LED flash circuit 51 and xenon flash circuit 52 to be located on the camera's control board.

[0069] Referring to Figure 5, the LED flash circuit 51 includes a capacitor energy storage circuit 501 and a first flash control circuit 502. The first terminal of the capacitor energy storage circuit 501 is electrically connected to the LED 131, and the second terminal of the capacitor energy storage circuit 501 is grounded. The first terminal of the capacitor energy storage circuit 501 is also used to connect to the power supply voltage VIN. The capacitor energy storage circuit 501 can store a certain amount of electricity. When flashing is needed, the stored electricity can be output to the LED 131, causing the LED 131 to flash accordingly. The first flash control circuit 502 is electrically connected to the LED 131 and can control the flash energy of the LED 131. That is, through the capacitor energy storage circuit 501 and the first flash control circuit 502, the LED 131 can emit flashes with different light emission parameters (such as different color temperatures or colors) and their combinations.

[0070] The xenon flash lamp circuit 52 primarily utilizes high-voltage current to activate xenon gas, forming an electric arc to provide high color temperature and highly focused illumination. This technology breaks away from the traditional tungsten filament light-emitting principle, replacing the traditional filament by filling the quartz lamp tube with high-pressure inert gas (i.e., xenon). When the xenon gas is stimulated with a high-voltage current of up to 23,000 volts through the ballast, a perfect white electric arc is formed between the two electrodes, emitting light that closely resembles near-perfect sunlight. This technology not only improves the color temperature but also significantly reduces energy consumption.

[0071] The xenon flash circuit 52 is triggered by storing sufficient energy in a high-voltage capacitor, which is then released into the lamp tube. This energy excites the xenon gas within the tube, producing a light source. The xenon lamp 132 emits light by using positive and negative electrical stimulation to trigger a chemical reaction between argon gas and a rare metal. Therefore, the lamp tube contains a small glass bulb filled with argon gas and a small amount of rare metal. When an electric current is applied to stimulate this chemical reaction, the two emit light with a color temperature as high as 4000K-12000K. The xenon flash circuit 52 provides a broad-spectrum, sunlight-like flash illumination function.

[0072] The xenon flash lamp circuit 52 includes a capacitor energy storage circuit 501 and a second flash control circuit 503. The first terminal of the capacitor energy storage circuit 501 is electrically connected to the xenon lamp 132, and the second flash control circuit 503 is electrically connected to the xenon lamp 132. The second flash control circuit 503 is used to control the flash energy of the xenon lamp 132.

[0073] In one embodiment, the LED flash circuit 51 and the xenon flash circuit 52 can share a single capacitor energy storage circuit 501, which saves circuit components and layout space, thus reducing costs. In other embodiments, the LED flash circuit 51 and the xenon flash circuit 52 may not share the capacitor energy storage circuit 501; that is, the LED flash circuit 51 and the xenon flash circuit 52 may each include their own corresponding capacitor energy storage circuit.

[0074] The embodiments described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of technology and the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0075] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is descriptive and exemplary, and not restrictive. Because this disclosure can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or substance of the disclosure, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A built-in flash, comprising: A flash unit, the flash unit including a main control module; A hot shoe mount is provided, which is connected to the main unit of the flash unit. The hot shoe mount includes a hot shoe interface and a signal conversion module. The hot shoe interface is used to connect to external devices, and the signal conversion module is electrically connected to the hot shoe interface. The signal conversion module is configured to convert the input and output signals of the hot shoe interface into general-purpose input and output signals. The signal conversion module is also electrically connected to the host main control module, and the signal conversion module is also configured to transmit the converted general input / output signal to the host main control module.

2. The on-camera flash according to claim 1, wherein, The signal conversion module includes a first general-purpose input / output interface, a hot shoe main control module, and a second general-purpose input / output interface; The first general-purpose input / output interface is electrically connected to the hot shoe interface, and the first general-purpose input / output interface is also electrically connected to the hot shoe main control module; The hot shoe main control module is also electrically connected to the second general-purpose input / output interface, and the second general-purpose input / output interface is also electrically connected to the host main control module; The hot shoe master control module is configured to convert the input / output signals of the hot shoe interface connected by the first general-purpose input / output interface into general-purpose input / output signals, and transmit the converted general-purpose input / output signals to the host master control module through the second general-purpose input / output interface.

3. The on-camera flash according to claim 2, wherein, The signal conversion module further includes a level conversion module, one end of which is connected to the first general-purpose input / output interface, and the other end of which is connected to the hot shoe main control module; The level conversion module is configured to convert the input signal of the hot shoe interface connected by the first general-purpose input / output interface and then input it to the hot shoe main control module.

4. The on-camera flash according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The signal conversion module further includes a logic conversion module, one end of which is connected to the first general-purpose input / output interface, and the other end of which is connected to the hot shoe main control module. The logic conversion module is configured to perform logic conversion on the control signals sent by the host main control module received by the hot shoe main control module and then output them to the hot shoe interface via the first general-purpose input / output interface.

5. The on-camera flash according to claim 2, wherein, The hot shoe base includes a base circuit board and a connecting flexible circuit board. The signal conversion module is disposed on the base circuit board. The base circuit board is electrically connected to the host module through the connecting flexible circuit board. The second general-purpose input / output interface includes multiple signal channels. The connecting flexible circuit board is provided with multiple signal connection lines, and the multiple signal connection lines correspond one-to-one with the multiple signal channels.

6. The on-camera flash according to claim 5, wherein, The on-camera flash also includes a first connector and a second connector. One end of the connecting flex board is connected to the second universal input / output interface through the first connector, and the other end of the connecting flex board is connected to the host main control module through the second connector.

7. The on-camera flash according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of signal channels include a flash trigger signal forwarding channel, a transmit signal channel, and a receive signal channel. The flash trigger signal forwarding channel is used to forward the flash trigger signal of the hot shoe interface to the host control module. The transmit signal channel is used to transmit any one or more of the mode signal, flash parameter adjustment signal, and focus detection signal received by the hot shoe interface from the external device to the host control module. The receive signal channel is used to receive the on-camera flash connection in place signal output by the host control module.

8. The on-camera flash according to claim 7, wherein, The multiple signal channels also include a communication mode channel, a clock signal channel, and a status indication channel. The communication mode channel is used to characterize the communication direction between the on-camera flash and the external device. The clock signal channel is used to transmit the camera clock signal received by the hot shoe interface. The status indication channel is used to output the busy or idle status of the host control module to the signal conversion module.

9. The on-camera flash according to claim 1, wherein, The hot shoe base is provided with a connecting structure, and the hot shoe base is fixedly connected to the flash unit through the connecting structure.

10. The on-camera flash according to claim 1, wherein, The host control module includes a general-purpose input / output interface. The host control module is connected to the functional components through the general-purpose input / output interface. The host control module is configured to send control signals to the functional components through the general-purpose input / output interface, or the host control module is configured to receive trigger signals issued by the functional components through the general-purpose input / output interface.

11. The on-camera flash according to claim 1, wherein, The main unit of the flash unit includes a light-emitting mechanism, which is electrically connected to the main control module of the main unit. The flash trigger signal emitted by the external device is transmitted to the light-emitting mechanism in sequence through the hot shoe interface, the signal conversion module and the main control module of the main unit, so that the light-emitting mechanism emits a flash.

12. The on-camera flash according to claim 11, wherein, The light-emitting mechanism is configured as an LED lamp or a xenon lamp.

13. The on-camera flash according to claim 11, wherein, The light-emitting mechanism includes an LED lamp and a xenon lamp. The flash trigger signal emitted by the external device is transmitted to the light-emitting mechanism in sequence through the hot shoe interface, the signal conversion module and the host main control module, so that the LED lamp and the xenon lamp flash simultaneously.

14. The on-camera flash according to claim 13, wherein, The main unit of the flash unit also includes a main circuit board, an LED flash circuit, and a xenon flash circuit; The LED flash circuit and the xenon flash circuit are disposed on the host circuit board, and the host main control module is disposed on the host circuit board; The LED flash circuit and the xenon flash circuit are electrically connected to the host main control module; The LED light is electrically connected to the LED flashlight circuit; The xenon lamp is electrically connected to the xenon flash lamp circuit.

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