Abstract
A removable power pack for a camera is disclosed comprising a battery module and a data storage module housed in a common casing to form an integrated unit, wherein the casing exposes one or more electrical connectors for transmitting power and data between the power pack and a camera that receives the power pack. A waterproof camera is also disclosed comprising a camera body and a removable power pack installed in or on the body, the removable power pack including one or more electrical connectors for transmitting power to the camera once installed, and a sealing interface arranged between the camera and the power pack to prevent moisture from reaching the one or more electrical connectors.
Claims
1. A removable power pack for a camera comprising a battery module and a data storage module housed in a common casing to form an integrated unit, wherein the casing exposes: one or more electrical connectors for transmitting power and data between the power pack and the camera that receives the power pack; and one or more further electrical connectors for transmitting power and/or data between the power pack and an external computing device; wherein the removable power pack further comprises a seal extending around a peripheral surface of the casing so as to provide a sealing interface between the camera and the power pack.
2. The power pack of claim 1, wherein the one or more further connectors are arranged to receive power from the external computing device to charge the battery module.
3. The power pack of claim 1, wherein the one or more further connectors are arranged to transmit data from the data storage module to the external computing device.
4. The power pack of claim 1, further comprising a switch arranged to determine whether data is to be transmitted between: (i) the camera and the data storage module using the one or more electrical connectors; or (ii) the external computing device and the data storage module using the one or more further connectors, and to control the transfer of data based on the determination.
5. The power pack of claim 1, wherein the one or more further connectors comprise a USB connector.
6. The power pack of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary power input that is connectable to an external power supply to charge the battery module.
7. The power pack of claim 1, wherein the data storage module comprises a receiver for a removable data storage medium.
8. The power pack of claim 7, further comprising a removable data storage medium, such as a memory card, installed in the data storage module of the power pack.
9. The power pack of claim 1, wherein the power pack is substantially cylindrical.
10. The power pack of claim 1, wherein the seal provides a sealing interface between the camera and the power pack, the sealing interface preventing moisture from reaching the one or more electrical connectors.
11. A removable power pack for a camera comprising a battery module in a casing, wherein the casing exposes one or more electrical connectors for transmitting power between the power pack and the camera that receives the power pack, and wherein the power pack comprises a seal extending around a peripheral surface of the casing, so as to provide a sealing interface between the camera and the power pack, when the power pack is installed in or on a camera body of the camera, to prevent moisture from reaching the one or more electrical connectors.
12. The power pack of claim 11, wherein the seal comprises one or more O-rings.
13. A camera comprising a camera body and the removable power pack of claim 10, installed in or on the body so as to provide a sealing interface between the camera and the power pack to prevent moisture from reaching the one or more electrical connectors.
14. The camera of claim 13, further comprising a releasable mechanical connection between the camera body and the power pack, optionally wherein the releasable mechanical connection comprises a bayonet connection.
15. The camera of claim 14, wherein the seal of the power pack is compressed when the mechanical connection is made between the camera body and the power pack, so as to provide the sealing interface.
16. The camera of claim 14, further comprising a lock for the releasable mechanical connection.
17. The camera of claim 16, wherein the lock includes a manual release that must be actuated by a user before the mechanical connection can be released.
18. The camera of claim 13, wherein the camera body comprises an open cavity arranged to receive the removable power pack therein.
19. The camera of claim 18, wherein the open cavity and the power pack are both substantially cylindrical.
20. The camera of claim 13, wherein the camera is waterproof to a depth of at least 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, 40 m or 50 m.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] Various aspects of the teachings of the present invention, and arrangements embodying those teachings, will hereafter be described by way of illustrative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0048] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a removable power pack for a camera;
[0049] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a camera body before a power pack is installed;
[0050] FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples of power packs being installed into a camera body;
[0051] FIGS. 4A to 4C show schematically how a memory card is inserted and a power pack is installed in or removed from the camera;
[0052] FIGS. 5A and 5B show front and back perspective views of a camera with a power pack installed;
[0053] FIGS. 6A and 6B show side perspective views of a camera with a removable lens cap;
[0054] FIGS. 7A and 7B show schematically how a transparent lens cap is removed and installed;
[0055] FIG. 8 shows a kit comprising a camera, removable power pack and two different transparent lens caps;
[0056] FIGS. 9A to 9D provide various views of a splashproof (IPX7) lens cap; and
[0057] FIGS. 10A to 10D provide various views of a waterproof (IPX8-5 ATM) lens cap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0058] There is seen in FIG. 1 a removable power pack 1 for a camera, in particular for a waterproof camera. The power pack 1 takes the form of an integrated unit comprising a common casing 2 that houses an internal battery module and a data storage module. There is visible a slot 4 enabling a memory card to be inserted into the data storage module (see also FIG. 4A). An opening in the casing 2 exposes a set of electrical connectors 6 that enable power to be transmitted from the battery module in the power pack to a camera when coupled together. In addition, the electrical connectors 6 enable data to be transferred from the camera to the data storage module of the power pack 1 so that image and/or video data may be recorded on a memory card inserted in the slot 4. Furthermore, the electrical connectors 6 may also enable control command(s) to be transmitted from the power pack 1 to the camera. Such control command(s) may be input by the user control button 8 provided on an end surface of the casing 2. Even when the power pack 1 is inserted into a cavity in a camera body, the user control 8 is exposed for use.
[0059] Below the user control 8 there is seen an auxiliary input port 10 allowing an auxiliary power supply cable to be connected to the power pack 1 as desired. This may be used, for example, to recharge the battery module housed inside the casing 2. Although not shown, the input port 10 may be protected by a removable cover. Finally, it can be seen that the power pack 1 also comprises a USB connector 12, which may be used to link the power pack 1 to an external computing device such as a PC. The USB connector 12 may also be used to recharge the battery module, as well as enabling the download of data directly from the power pack 1 without needing to remove a memory card from the slot 4.
[0060] The power pack 1 includes various features enabling it to be removably installed into the body of a camera, in particular a waterproof camera. An O-ring seal 14 extends circumferentially around the power pack 1 so as to provide a sealing interface when the power pack 1 is inserted into a cavity in a camera. A manual release button 16 enables a mechanical connection between the power pack 1 and the camera to be unlocked when it is desired to remove the power pack 1.
[0061] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary camera body 18 that can receive the power pack 1 of FIG. 1 therein. It can be seen that the camera body 18 is substantially cylindrical comprising an internal cylindrical cavity 20 into which the power pack 1 can be inserted. The open end of the cavity 20 includes a pair of diametrically opposed chamfered threads 22 that can receive corresponding mounting lugs provided around the inwardly-facing periphery of the power pack 1. It will be understood that the power pack 1 may be mechanically connected by a bayonet connection formed by rotating mounting lugs on the power pack 1 along the chamfered threads 22 until the power pack 1 is locked in place. The camera body 18 includes a seat 24 for the manual release button 16.
[0062] Also seen in FIG. 2 is a user interface 26 mounted on a surface of the camera body 18 and a mounting system 28 comprising two mounting rings rotatably connected to the camera body 18. As shown, the user interface 26 may include one or more buttons and a display screen. The user interface 26 and mounting system 28 are described in more detail in the Applicant's co-pending application(s).
[0063] The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3A and 3B show how different sizes of power pack 1, 1 may be inserted into the cavity 20 of the same camera body 18. For example, the power pack 1 seen in FIG. 3A may provide a battery capacity of 2,000 mAh, while the power pack 1 seen in FIG. 3B may provide a battery capacity of 3,000 mAh. It can be seen that both of the power packs 1, 1 are substantially inserted into the cylindrical cavity of the camera body 18, the main difference being that the larger power pack 1 protrudes out of the back of the camera body 18 rather than forming part of a continuous end surface of the camera body 18. However, it can be seen that in both cases the power pack 1, 1 includes an O-ring seal 14 that ensures a sealing interface is formed between the camera body 18 and the inserted part of the power pack 1, 1 that includes the exposed electrical connectors 6. This means that, once the power pack 1, 1 is installed into the camera body 18, a waterproof seal may be created so that moisture cannot reach the data storage module, battery module and electrical connectors 6. The user control button 8 and auxiliary input 10 on the back of the power pack 1, 1 may be rendered water resistant, so that the assembled camera is waterproof.
[0064] FIG. 4A shows how a memory card 5 can be inserted, with its contacts facing up, in the slot 4 of the power pack 1. FIG. 4B shows how the power pack 1 is inserted into the camera body 18 (step 1) and turned clockwise to lock the bayonet connection (step 2), with an audible click, to form a sealed camera 30. FIG. 4C shows how the power pack 1 may be removed from the camera 30 by pressing the manual release button 16 (step 1), then turning the power pack 1 anti-clockwise to undo the bayonet connection (step 2) and allow the power pack 1 to be pulled out (step 3).
[0065] The perspective views seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B show the user interface 26 in more detail, as well as the compact shape of the camera 30 once the power pack 1 has been installed. It can be seen that the power pack 1 may be wholly inserted into the cavity in the camera body so that only its end surface carrying the user control button 8 is left exposed and forms part of a continuous surface of the camera body. Also visible in FIGS. 5A and 5B is a lens 32 on a font surface of the camera 30, positioned at an opposite end of the cylindrical body to the user control button 8. The camera body includes a manual release button 33 arranged next to the lens 32 for use with a removable lens cap, as is described further below.
[0066] FIGS. 6A and 6B show how the lens 32 of the camera 30 is covered by a transparent lens cap 34, e.g. such that the camera 30 can be used in wet conditions. The transparent front surface of the lens cap 34 ensures that imaging is not detrimentally affected. The camera 30 includes an integrated microphone having a small opening next to the lens itself. With a conventional video camera, water is prevented from entering the camera through such a microphone opening by encasing the entire camera in a sealed, waterproof housing. In this embodiment the lens cap 34 seals over the lens 32 so as to close off the microphone opening or at least reduce the ingress of moisture. Optionally, a barometric altimeter (or other atmospheric pressure sensor) having another opening may also be associated with the lens 32 to sense the external air pressure. This sensor may also be protected by the lens cap 34 from substantially coming into contact with moisture. As is described in more detail below, the lens cap 34 includes a seal 36, such as a compression seal or lip seal, on its inner surface so as to ensure that a watertight seal is formed. The lens 32 includes a pair of bayonet mounting lugs 38 and the lens cap 34 includes a corresponding bayonet mounting thread 40 (or a reverse arrangement).
[0067] As is seen from FIG. 7A, a lens cap 34 can be removed from the front of the camera 30 by pressing the release button 33 (step 1), turning the lens cap 34 anticlockwise (step 2) and pulling the lens cap 34 away from the lens 32 (step 3). As is seen from FIG. 7B, a lens cap 34 can be installed by positioning the cap 34 over the lens 32 (step 1) and turning it clockwise until the bayonet connection is locked with an audible click (step 2). To prevent damage to the camera lens 32, it is recommended that the camera 30 is never used without a transparent cap 34.
[0068] FIG. 8 shows a kit comprising a removable power pack 1, a camera body including a user interface 26 and a lens 32, and two different transparent lens caps 34, 34. It may also be seen that the camera 30 includes a mounting system 28. The standard IPX7 lens cap 34 makes the camera 30 splashproof and waterproof up to 1 m for 30 minutes. In order to use the camera 30 underwater to depths down to 50 m, the lens cap 34 may be interchanged with an optional IPX8 (5 ATM) lens cap 34. Optionally, any control buttons in the user interface 26 may be disabled when the camera 30 is used deep underwater. The two different lens caps 34, 34 are seen in more detail in FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0069] FIGS. 9A and 9B are side perspective views of an IPX7 lens cap 34. The lens cap 34 comprises a transparent front cover 42 in the form of a disc and a cylindrical body 44 that supports the cover 42. The cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical body 44 is at least partly covered by a textured or knurled insert 45 to assist a user in gripping and rotating the lens cap 34. The insert 45 may take the form of a rubber overmould. It is seen in FIG. 9B that the lens cap 34 includes two small apertures 46 in the cylindrical body 44. When the lens cap 34 is installed over a camera lens, these apertures 46 align with one or more sensors that require a fluid communication with the external atmosphere, for example a microphone to record audio data and/or a barometer to measure air pressure/altitude. The apertures 46 enable such sensors to function while helping to minimise the ingress of moisture, i.e. the lens cap 34 makes the camera at least splashproof if used on the surface and typically waterproof if used in depths up to 1 m for 30 minutes. The back view of FIG. 9C shows the bayonet mounting thread 40 on the inside of the cylindrical body 44. It can be seen from the sectional view of FIG. 9D that the knurled insert 45 takes the form of a rubber ring that is seated in an annular recess in the cylindrical body 44.
[0070] The side sectional view of FIG. 9D shows a lip seal 36 installed behind the transparent front cover 42. The lip seal 36 takes the form of a rubber overmould that is integrated formed with the cylindrical body 44. The lip seal 36, also known as a radial shaft seal, is not the same as an O-ring seal. The sprung sealing lip of a lip seal 36 has been found to provide a superior sealing performance. As is well known, such a lip seal 36 may comprise an elastomeric or thermoplastic sealing surface, typically spring-loaded by a garter spring, to seal dynamically against a countersurface surrounding the camera lens. Alternatively, the lip seal 36 may be replaced by an annular compression seal (such as a rubber O-ring or the like).
[0071] FIGS. 10A to 10D provide corresponding views of an IPX8 lens cap 34. Such a lens cap 34 can be installed to make a camera waterproof up to depths of 50 m (5 ATM). As before, the lens cap 34 comprises a transparent front cover 42 and a cylindrical body 44 that is at least partly surrounded by a textured or knurled insert 45 to assist a user in gripping and rotating the lens cap 34. It is seen in FIG. 10B that the cylindrical body 44 is uninterrupted and there are no apertures as in the IPX7 lens cap 34. When this lens cap 34 is installed over a camera lens, any sensors such as microphone or barometer are completely closed off from fluid communication with the external atmosphere. It will be appreciated that a microphone is not generally used when filming underwater. The back view of FIG. 10C shows the same bayonet mounting thread 40 on the inside of the cylindrical body 44 and the side sectional view of FIG. 10D shows the lip seal 36 behind the transparent front cover 42. The bayonet connection and lip seal are the same for both the IPX7 and IPX8 lens caps 34, 34 so that they can be used interchangeably. The two different lens caps 34, 34 may be moulded using the same tool, but with an insert provided in the moulding tool to make the cylindrical body 44 without any apertures. This can reduce manufacturing costs.
