US20160110971A1 - Security camera with internal sealing arrangement - Google Patents
Security camera with internal sealing arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160110971A1 US20160110971A1 US14/516,342 US201414516342A US2016110971A1 US 20160110971 A1 US20160110971 A1 US 20160110971A1 US 201414516342 A US201414516342 A US 201414516342A US 2016110971 A1 US2016110971 A1 US 2016110971A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- camera
- front cover
- support body
- interior space
- sealing
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
- G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
- G08B13/194—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems
- G08B13/196—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
- G08B13/19617—Surveillance camera constructional details
- G08B13/19619—Details of casing
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/50—Constructional details
- H04N23/51—Housings
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- H04N5/2252—
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to security devices, and more particularly to security cameras.
- Security cameras are used in a variety of applications and operational environments. As one example, security cameras may be employed by a retail establishment to monitor for any criminal activity at the establishment. Indeed, such cameras may be employed in the interior of the retail establishment to monitor and prevent retail theft. Security cameras may also be employed in the exterior of the retail establishment, e.g. a parking lot, to monitor various activities.
- Such exterior security cameras must be able to withstand the elements.
- Such cameras utilize a rugged exterior housing with an internal camera module. Because the internal camera module includes sensitive electronics, it is necessary to prevent the ingress of moisture and other contaminants, e.g. particulate matter, into the housing.
- the housing typically is a two-part assembly having a front cover and a back cover.
- the front cover usually includes a lens with which the optical sensors of the internal camera module are aligned with.
- the back cover usually includes a mounting hole pattern for surface mounting the camera to a wall or other flat surface using screws, bolts, rivets, or the like.
- the back cover may also include a conduit port for connection to electrical conduit that in turn carries wiring which extends into the housing and is operably connected to the camera module.
- a gasket is typically positioned at the union of the front and back housing covers to prevent the ingress of moisture at this location.
- the hole pattern on the back cover must be sealed using a sealing substance such as room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone.
- RTV room temperature vulcanizing
- the conduit port typically utilizes water tight National Pipe Thread (NPT) threading to seal this port.
- embodiments of the present invention provide a security camera which allows for a substantial reduction in installation time as it is unnecessary to use a liquid sealing compound when surface mounting the camera.
- the embodiment of a security camera according to this aspect includes a housing having a front cover and a back cover.
- the back cover includes a mounting arrangement for mounting the security camera to a surface.
- a camera assembly is disposed within an interior of the housing.
- a sealing arrangement is arranged within the interior of the housing and configured to seal the camera assembly within the interior of the housing.
- the camera assembly includes a camera module and a camera support body that receives the camera module.
- the support body is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a bottom wall, a sidewall depending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a radially extending flange extending radially outward from an end of the sidewall.
- the radially extending flange extends between top and bottom surfaces.
- a sealing rim extends axially away from the top surface. In certain embodiments, the sealing rim may extend away from the top surface of the flange such that it is generally perpendicular thereto.
- the front cover includes an axially extending flange proximal the sealing rim. A gasket is pinched between the sealing rim and the axially extending flange to form a seal.
- the front cover includes a lens extending through an aperture formed in a ring member of the front cover.
- a first seal element is provided between the lens of the front cover and the ring member to form a seal therebetween.
- the security camera also includes a second seal element provided within an aperture formed in the support body.
- the second seal element is arranged and configured to form a seal around lead wires of the camera assembly.
- embodiments of the invention provide a security camera which presents a robust sealing arrangement for protecting an internal camera module of the security camera from exposure to fluid and particulate matter.
- An embodiment of such a security camera includes a housing having a front cover and a back cover.
- a camera assembly extends into a first interior space of the housing.
- the camera assembly includes a camera module and a support body.
- the support body and front cover define an enclosure bounding a second interior space.
- a seal arrangement seals the first interior space from the second interior space such that fluid and particulate matter flow from the first interior space into the second interior space is inhibited.
- the seal arrangement includes a gasket positioned between the front cover and a radially extending flange of the support body.
- a sealing rim extends from the radially extending flange.
- the sealing rim is generally perpendicular to the flange.
- the front cover includes an axially extending flange proximal the sealing rim. The gasket is pinched between the sealing rim and the axially extending flange to form a seal.
- the sealing arrangement further includes a first seal element positioned between a lens of the front cover and a ring member of the front cover to form a seal therebetween.
- the sealing arrangement also includes a second seal element disposed within an aperture formed in a bottom wall of the support body.
- the second seal element is arranged and configured to seal against lead wires of the camera module extending through the aperture and into the first interior space.
- the gasket and first and second seal elements are arranged such that the enclosure bounding the second interior space has an IP68 rating.
- a method for assembling a security camera includes providing a housing having a front and a back cover.
- the method also includes situating a camera assembly within said housing such that it extends into a first interior space of the housing.
- the camera assembly comprises a camera module and a support body.
- the support body and front cover define an enclosure bounding a second interior space.
- the method also includes sealing, with a sealing arrangement, the first interior space from the second interior space such that fluid and particulate matter flow from the first interior space into the second interior space is inhibited.
- the step of sealing includes positioning a gasket between the support body and the front cover of the housing, positioning a first seal element between a lens and a ring member of the front cover, and positioning a second seal element in a lead wire aperture of the support body.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a security camera according to the teachings of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the security camera of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective cross section of the security camera of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a partial view of the cross section of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partial view of a cross section of a support body of the security camera of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a partial view of the cross section of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 7 is a partial view of the cross section of FIG. 3 .
- embodiments of the invention herein present a novel security camera that overcomes the above discussed deficiencies by not requiring the use of a sealant in the mounting holes of the camera when surface mounting the same.
- the security camera is a relatively quick-install system in that it is no longer necessary to apply an RTV silicone or the like on each of the used and unused mounting holes/slots on the housing during installation.
- Security camera 20 includes a housing 22 .
- Housing 22 includes a front cover 24 and back cover 26 which together house a camera assembly as described below.
- Front cover 24 includes a lens 28 to provide visibility to the camera assembly of security camera 20 to capture video data.
- Back cover 26 includes a mounting arrangement in the form of a plurality of holes and slots. This mounting arrangement is used to surface mount security camera 20 to a surface in a variety of orientations.
- the particular hole/slot pattern illustrated is non-limiting, as it will be readily recognized that various hole and slot patterns may be used depending upon application.
- security camera 20 is illustrated in an exploded view.
- security camera 20 includes an internal camera assembly 32 (see FIG. 3 ).
- Camera assembly 32 includes a generally cup-shaped support body 34 which receives and supports a camera module 36 .
- Camera module 36 includes all of the necessary mechanical, electronic and sensor componentry to take still and full motion video at any orientation and in a variety of viewing angles.
- Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various camera modules may be utilized with security camera 20 , and as such, the particular camera module 36 illustrated should be taken by way of example only.
- a portion of the above-introduced sealing arrangement is formed using camera assembly 32 .
- the exposure of camera module 36 to fluids, including gases or liquids, as well as particulate matter is substantially inhibited by way of the above-introduced sealing arrangement.
- fluids and particulate matter that may enter a first interior space of security camera 20 through the unsealed mounting holes and slots of mounting arrangement 30 is substantially or in many cases entirely prevented from passing from this first interior space to a second interior space containing camera module 36 .
- any fluids or particulate matter the exterior of security camera 20 may be exposed to.
- Front cover 24 includes a ring member 38 with a central opening 40 formed therein for passage of a substantial portion of lens 28 .
- Front cover 24 also includes a camera shroud 42 positioned directly adjacent lens 28 as shown.
- a mounting collar 46 biases shroud 42 and lens 28 against ring member 38 .
- a first seal element in the form of an O-ring 44 is positioned between lens 28 and ring member 38 so as to prevent a leak path through opening 40 around lens 28 from an exterior of security camera 20 to the interior thereof.
- O-ring 44 may be a conventional circular cross-section O-ring, as well as any other similar seal elements which may or may not have a circular cross-section. Indeed, it is contemplated that any type of O-ring or gasket may be utilized with only minor adaptation made to security camera 20 to accommodate the differing geometry of such a seal element.
- a gasket 48 which also forms a portion of the above-introduced sealing arrangement forms a seal between camera assembly 32 and front cover 24 . More specifically, and as described below, support body 34 biases gasket 48 against ring member 38 of front cover 24 to provide a seal therebetween. The seal provided by gasket 48 assists in preventing the passage of fluid and particulate matter from the above-introduced first interior space to the second interior space containing camera module 36 , as well as from the exterior of security camera 20 to the second interior space of containing camera module 36 .
- Gasket 48 has a generally rectangular cross-section with mounting holes formed therein for securing gasket 48 to support body 34 . It is contemplated that a variety of material may be utilized for gasket 48 . As one non-limiting example, gasket 48 may be formed from silicone rubber having a durometer rating of Shore 30A. It has been found by the Applicants that the aforementioned material and its associated durometer rating provide an optimal sealing configuration. However, other materials with a different or the same durometer rating may be utilized.
- the above-introduced sealing arrangement also includes a second seal element in the form of a grommet 50 which is secured within a threaded aperture of support body 34 by way of a threaded plug 52 .
- Grommet 50 provides a seal around lead wires 58 which are illustrated schematically and extend from camera module 36 through support body 34 as well as through back cover 26 and a conduit port 60 (See FIG. 3 ) thereof.
- a vibration damping mounting pad 56 may also be utilized on a back surface of back cover 26 as shown. This component is optional, however.
- gasket 48 is attached to support body 34 .
- This sub-assembly is then installed on back cover 26 such a portion of camera assembly 32 extends into the cavity of back cover 26 shown in FIG. 2 .
- Camera assembly 32 is mounted to back cover 26 by mounting fasteners 54 .
- front cover 24 is installed on the above described sub-assembly using mounting fasteners 70 . As mounting fasteners 70 are tightened, gasket 48 is compressed between front cover 24 and the below described flange of support body 34 .
- security camera 20 is illustrated in a cross-sectional view to expose the interior thereof when assembled. As illustrated in this view, camera assembly 32 is partially disposed within first interior space 62 bounded in part by back cover 26 . A second interior space 64 is bounded by support body 34 and front cover 24 within which camera module 36 is disposed.
- the sealing arrangement of the instant invention substantially inhibits or entirely prevents fluid and particulate matter passage from the first interior space 62 to the second interior space 64 as well as from an exterior of security camera 20 to the interior thereof, and more particularly the second interior space 64 .
- this sealing arrangement includes a first seal element in the form of O-ring 44 , a gasket 48 , and a second seal element in the form of grommet 50 . Gasket 48 and grommet 50 are biased into sealing engagement in whole or in part by support body 34 .
- O-ring 44 forms a seal between lens 28 and ring member 38 of front cover 24 .
- Support body 34 includes a bottom wall 66 with a side wall 68 depending upwardly therefrom.
- a radially extending flange 72 (See FIG. 4 ) extends radially outward from an end of sidewall 68 as shown.
- flange 72 includes a top surface 78 and a bottom surface 80 .
- a sealing rim 74 extends axially away from top surface 78 as shown.
- Ring member 38 includes an axial projection 76 extending generally downward as shown in FIG. 4 and proximal to sealing rim 74 . As front cover 24 and back cover 26 (See FIG. 2 ) are joined to one another, an axial distance between sealing room 74 and axial projection 76 is reduced resulting in gasket 48 being pinched between these projections as illustrated in FIG. 4 . Such a configuration provides a seal at this location.
- Sealing rim 74 extends axially away from top surface 78 of flange 72 at a height H as shown. Height H may be any appropriately selected dimension, and in the illustrated embodiment is approximately 0.040 inches.
- the cross section of sealing rim 74 includes a radially outermost edge 88 of sealing rim 74 that forms an angle ⁇ with top surface 78 . Angle ⁇ is approximately 90 degrees as shown in FIG. 5 , but may also be less than or greater to 90 degrees in other embodiments.
- the aforementioned sealing rim 74 provides for a folding of gasket 48 back against axial projection 76 as shown to enhance the sealing capabilities thereof.
- a radially interior wall 90 of sealing rim 74 is chamfered such that it forms an angle ⁇ with top surface 78 as shown.
- angle ⁇ is approximately 45 degrees, however, other chamfer angles are contemplated.
- O-ring 44 and its associated seal are described in greater detail. As can be seen in the cross-section of FIG. 6 , O-ring 44 is positioned on a rim 82 formed in lens 28 . Ring member 38 sealingly engages O-ring 44 such that a seal is formed between lens 28 and ring member 38 . As a result, the ingress of fluid and particulate matter at this location is substantially eliminated or eliminated entirely. As discussed above, although illustrated as having a circular cross-section, other seal elements other than a conventional circular O-ring may be utilized at this location. As such, the foregoing should be taken by way of example only and not limitation.
- grommet 50 will be described in greater detail.
- a plug 52 biases grommet 50 within a threaded aperture 84 as shown.
- Threaded aperture 84 includes a rim 92 .
- grommet 50 is biased against rim 92 .
- This causes a diameter of a central aperture 94 formed through grommet 50 to decrease and thus sealingly engage lead wires 58 as shown.
- the seal at this region prevents the ingress of fluid and particulate matter from traveling along lead wires 58 and into second interior space 64 containing camera module 36 , (See also FIG. 3 ).
- security camera 20 Having described the structural attributes of security camera 20 , it will be readily recognized that it is no longer necessary to employ the time consuming operation of sealing the mounting holes on the back cover 26 of housing 22 of security camera 20 . Indeed, the above-described sealing arrangement formed by O-ring 44 , gasket 48 , and grommet 50 substantially eliminates or prevents entirely the ingress of fluid and particulate matter into an interior space of security camera 20 containing a camera module 36 which has contaminant sensitive electronic components.
- This sealing arrangement in one embodiment, provides an Ingress Protection rating of IP 68. As such, security camera 20 readily utilized in outdoor applications, but unlike prior designs, does not require the labor intensive sealing procedures associated therewith.
Abstract
Description
- This invention generally relates to security devices, and more particularly to security cameras.
- Security cameras are used in a variety of applications and operational environments. As one example, security cameras may be employed by a retail establishment to monitor for any criminal activity at the establishment. Indeed, such cameras may be employed in the interior of the retail establishment to monitor and prevent retail theft. Security cameras may also be employed in the exterior of the retail establishment, e.g. a parking lot, to monitor various activities.
- Such exterior security cameras must be able to withstand the elements. Typically such cameras utilize a rugged exterior housing with an internal camera module. Because the internal camera module includes sensitive electronics, it is necessary to prevent the ingress of moisture and other contaminants, e.g. particulate matter, into the housing. The housing typically is a two-part assembly having a front cover and a back cover. The front cover usually includes a lens with which the optical sensors of the internal camera module are aligned with. The back cover usually includes a mounting hole pattern for surface mounting the camera to a wall or other flat surface using screws, bolts, rivets, or the like. The back cover may also include a conduit port for connection to electrical conduit that in turn carries wiring which extends into the housing and is operably connected to the camera module.
- To prevent the aforementioned ingress of moisture and/or particulate matter, several areas of such a security camera must be sealed. First, a gasket is typically positioned at the union of the front and back housing covers to prevent the ingress of moisture at this location. Second, the hole pattern on the back cover must be sealed using a sealing substance such as room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone. The conduit port typically utilizes water tight National Pipe Thread (NPT) threading to seal this port.
- Achieving the seal between the front and back housing covers and the conduit port is relatively simple. To seal at the union of the front and back housing covers, the same are simply tightened together to compress the above discussed gasket. To seal at the conduit port, conduit is simply threaded into the port. Due to the NPT threading, a liquid tight seal is achieved at this region.
- Unfortunately, sealing the hole pattern on the back cover is quite time consuming. Typically, this hole pattern incorporates a variety of holes and slots to offer an installer a variety of installation options to accommodate various installation location configurations. Each one of the holes and slots must be sealed using RTV silicone or a similar sealant. Such an operation is tedious and time consuming. Additionally, it has been found that one or more of these sealed locations on the back cover will often-times fail leading to the ingress of moisture and/or particulate matter, and ultimately, camera failure. As such, there is a need in the art for a security camera that reduces or entirely omits the above described back cover sealing operation to ultimately provide a relatively rapid-install, robust camera system for exterior use.
- The invention provides such a security camera. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.
- In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a security camera which allows for a substantial reduction in installation time as it is unnecessary to use a liquid sealing compound when surface mounting the camera. The embodiment of a security camera according to this aspect includes a housing having a front cover and a back cover. The back cover includes a mounting arrangement for mounting the security camera to a surface. A camera assembly is disposed within an interior of the housing. A sealing arrangement is arranged within the interior of the housing and configured to seal the camera assembly within the interior of the housing.
- In certain embodiments, the camera assembly includes a camera module and a camera support body that receives the camera module. The support body is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a bottom wall, a sidewall depending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a radially extending flange extending radially outward from an end of the sidewall. The radially extending flange extends between top and bottom surfaces. A sealing rim extends axially away from the top surface. In certain embodiments, the sealing rim may extend away from the top surface of the flange such that it is generally perpendicular thereto. The front cover includes an axially extending flange proximal the sealing rim. A gasket is pinched between the sealing rim and the axially extending flange to form a seal.
- In certain embodiments, the front cover includes a lens extending through an aperture formed in a ring member of the front cover. A first seal element is provided between the lens of the front cover and the ring member to form a seal therebetween.
- In certain embodiments, the security camera also includes a second seal element provided within an aperture formed in the support body. The second seal element is arranged and configured to form a seal around lead wires of the camera assembly.
- In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a security camera which presents a robust sealing arrangement for protecting an internal camera module of the security camera from exposure to fluid and particulate matter. An embodiment of such a security camera includes a housing having a front cover and a back cover. A camera assembly extends into a first interior space of the housing. The camera assembly includes a camera module and a support body. The support body and front cover define an enclosure bounding a second interior space. A seal arrangement seals the first interior space from the second interior space such that fluid and particulate matter flow from the first interior space into the second interior space is inhibited.
- In certain embodiments, the seal arrangement includes a gasket positioned between the front cover and a radially extending flange of the support body. A sealing rim extends from the radially extending flange. The sealing rim is generally perpendicular to the flange. The front cover includes an axially extending flange proximal the sealing rim. The gasket is pinched between the sealing rim and the axially extending flange to form a seal.
- In certain embodiments, the sealing arrangement further includes a first seal element positioned between a lens of the front cover and a ring member of the front cover to form a seal therebetween.
- In certain embodiments, the sealing arrangement also includes a second seal element disposed within an aperture formed in a bottom wall of the support body. The second seal element is arranged and configured to seal against lead wires of the camera module extending through the aperture and into the first interior space.
- The gasket and first and second seal elements are arranged such that the enclosure bounding the second interior space has an IP68 rating.
- In yet another aspect, a method for assembling a security camera is provided. The method includes providing a housing having a front and a back cover. The method also includes situating a camera assembly within said housing such that it extends into a first interior space of the housing. The camera assembly comprises a camera module and a support body. The support body and front cover define an enclosure bounding a second interior space. The method also includes sealing, with a sealing arrangement, the first interior space from the second interior space such that fluid and particulate matter flow from the first interior space into the second interior space is inhibited.
- In certain embodiments, the step of sealing includes positioning a gasket between the support body and the front cover of the housing, positioning a first seal element between a lens and a ring member of the front cover, and positioning a second seal element in a lead wire aperture of the support body.
- Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a security camera according to the teachings of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the security camera ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective cross section of the security camera ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a partial view of the cross section ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a partial view of a cross section of a support body of the security camera ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a partial view of the cross section ofFIG. 3 ; and -
FIG. 7 is a partial view of the cross section ofFIG. 3 . - While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
- Turning now to the drawings, embodiments of the invention herein present a novel security camera that overcomes the above discussed deficiencies by not requiring the use of a sealant in the mounting holes of the camera when surface mounting the same. The security camera is a relatively quick-install system in that it is no longer necessary to apply an RTV silicone or the like on each of the used and unused mounting holes/slots on the housing during installation. These advantages are achieved by way of a unique and inventive sealing arrangement disposed within an interior of the housing utilized by the security camera. These and other advantages will be described in greater detail below.
- With particular reference to
FIG. 1 , and embodiment of asecurity camera 20 according to the instant invention is illustrated therein.Security camera 20 includes ahousing 22.Housing 22 includes afront cover 24 andback cover 26 which together house a camera assembly as described below.Front cover 24 includes alens 28 to provide visibility to the camera assembly ofsecurity camera 20 to capture video data. Back cover 26 includes a mounting arrangement in the form of a plurality of holes and slots. This mounting arrangement is used to surfacemount security camera 20 to a surface in a variety of orientations. The particular hole/slot pattern illustrated is non-limiting, as it will be readily recognized that various hole and slot patterns may be used depending upon application. - As will be described in greater detail below, however, it is not necessary to utilize a RTV silicone or the like with mounting
arrangement 30 when mountingsecurity camera 20 due to the above-introduced sealing arrangement. - Turning now to
FIG. 2 ,security camera 20 is illustrated in an exploded view. As introduced above,security camera 20 includes an internal camera assembly 32 (seeFIG. 3 ).Camera assembly 32 includes a generally cup-shapedsupport body 34 which receives and supports acamera module 36.Camera module 36 includes all of the necessary mechanical, electronic and sensor componentry to take still and full motion video at any orientation and in a variety of viewing angles. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various camera modules may be utilized withsecurity camera 20, and as such, theparticular camera module 36 illustrated should be taken by way of example only. - As will be described in greater detail below, a portion of the above-introduced sealing arrangement is formed using
camera assembly 32. As will also be described in greater detail below, the exposure ofcamera module 36 to fluids, including gases or liquids, as well as particulate matter is substantially inhibited by way of the above-introduced sealing arrangement. Indeed, fluids and particulate matter that may enter a first interior space ofsecurity camera 20 through the unsealed mounting holes and slots of mounting arrangement 30 (SeeFIG. 1 ) is substantially or in many cases entirely prevented from passing from this first interior space to a second interior space containingcamera module 36. The same holds true for any fluids or particulate matter the exterior ofsecurity camera 20 may be exposed to. - A portion of the above-introduced sealing arrangement is also provided within
front cover 24.Front cover 24 includes aring member 38 with acentral opening 40 formed therein for passage of a substantial portion oflens 28.Front cover 24 also includes acamera shroud 42 positioned directlyadjacent lens 28 as shown. A mountingcollar 46biases shroud 42 andlens 28 againstring member 38. A first seal element in the form of an O-ring 44 is positioned betweenlens 28 andring member 38 so as to prevent a leak path through opening 40 aroundlens 28 from an exterior ofsecurity camera 20 to the interior thereof. - O-
ring 44 may be a conventional circular cross-section O-ring, as well as any other similar seal elements which may or may not have a circular cross-section. Indeed, it is contemplated that any type of O-ring or gasket may be utilized with only minor adaptation made tosecurity camera 20 to accommodate the differing geometry of such a seal element. - A
gasket 48 which also forms a portion of the above-introduced sealing arrangement forms a seal betweencamera assembly 32 andfront cover 24. More specifically, and as described below,support body 34 biases gasket 48 againstring member 38 offront cover 24 to provide a seal therebetween. The seal provided bygasket 48 assists in preventing the passage of fluid and particulate matter from the above-introduced first interior space to the second interior space containingcamera module 36, as well as from the exterior ofsecurity camera 20 to the second interior space of containingcamera module 36. -
Gasket 48 has a generally rectangular cross-section with mounting holes formed therein for securinggasket 48 to supportbody 34. It is contemplated that a variety of material may be utilized forgasket 48. As one non-limiting example,gasket 48 may be formed from silicone rubber having a durometer rating of Shore 30A. It has been found by the Applicants that the aforementioned material and its associated durometer rating provide an optimal sealing configuration. However, other materials with a different or the same durometer rating may be utilized. - The above-introduced sealing arrangement also includes a second seal element in the form of a
grommet 50 which is secured within a threaded aperture ofsupport body 34 by way of a threadedplug 52.Grommet 50 provides a seal aroundlead wires 58 which are illustrated schematically and extend fromcamera module 36 throughsupport body 34 as well as throughback cover 26 and a conduit port 60 (SeeFIG. 3 ) thereof. A vibration damping mountingpad 56 may also be utilized on a back surface ofback cover 26 as shown. This component is optional, however. - Still referring to
FIG. 2 , to assemblesecurity camera 20,gasket 48 is attached to supportbody 34. This sub-assembly is then installed onback cover 26 such a portion ofcamera assembly 32 extends into the cavity ofback cover 26 shown inFIG. 2 .Camera assembly 32 is mounted to backcover 26 by mountingfasteners 54. To complete assembly,front cover 24 is installed on the above described sub-assembly using mountingfasteners 70. As mountingfasteners 70 are tightened,gasket 48 is compressed betweenfront cover 24 and the below described flange ofsupport body 34. - Turning now to
FIG. 3 ,security camera 20 is illustrated in a cross-sectional view to expose the interior thereof when assembled. As illustrated in this view,camera assembly 32 is partially disposed within firstinterior space 62 bounded in part byback cover 26. A secondinterior space 64 is bounded bysupport body 34 andfront cover 24 within whichcamera module 36 is disposed. - As described above, the sealing arrangement of the instant invention substantially inhibits or entirely prevents fluid and particulate matter passage from the first
interior space 62 to the secondinterior space 64 as well as from an exterior ofsecurity camera 20 to the interior thereof, and more particularly the secondinterior space 64. As also introduced above, this sealing arrangement includes a first seal element in the form of O-ring 44, agasket 48, and a second seal element in the form ofgrommet 50.Gasket 48 andgrommet 50 are biased into sealing engagement in whole or in part bysupport body 34. O-ring 44 forms a seal betweenlens 28 andring member 38 offront cover 24. These seals are described in turn in the following. -
Support body 34 includes abottom wall 66 with aside wall 68 depending upwardly therefrom. A radially extending flange 72 (SeeFIG. 4 ) extends radially outward from an end ofsidewall 68 as shown. With particular reference now toFIG. 4 ,flange 72 includes atop surface 78 and abottom surface 80. A sealingrim 74 extends axially away fromtop surface 78 as shown. -
Ring member 38 includes anaxial projection 76 extending generally downward as shown inFIG. 4 and proximal to sealingrim 74. Asfront cover 24 and back cover 26 (SeeFIG. 2 ) are joined to one another, an axial distance betweensealing room 74 andaxial projection 76 is reduced resulting ingasket 48 being pinched between these projections as illustrated inFIG. 4 . Such a configuration provides a seal at this location. - As a result, the ingress of fluid and particulate matter which may enter
security camera 20 at the union between front and back covers 24, 26 is prevented from continuing along into the secondinterior space 64 as shown. The same holds true for the ingress of fluid and particulate matter from firstinterior space 62 into secondinterior space 64 at the location of the above-described seal formedadjacent sealing rim 74 andaxial projection 76. It will also be noted that an axial seal is formed along the width ofgasket 48 betweenupper surface 78 offlange 72 and aseal surface 86 ofring member 38 as shown. - Turning now to
FIG. 5 , the geometry of sealingrim 74 will be described in greater detail. Sealingrim 74 extends axially away fromtop surface 78 offlange 72 at a height H as shown. Height H may be any appropriately selected dimension, and in the illustrated embodiment is approximately 0.040 inches. The cross section of sealingrim 74 includes a radiallyoutermost edge 88 of sealingrim 74 that forms an angle α withtop surface 78. Angle α is approximately 90 degrees as shown inFIG. 5 , but may also be less than or greater to 90 degrees in other embodiments. With momentary reference back toFIG. 4 , the aforementioned sealing rim 74 provides for a folding ofgasket 48 back againstaxial projection 76 as shown to enhance the sealing capabilities thereof. - A radially
interior wall 90 of sealingrim 74 is chamfered such that it forms an angle β withtop surface 78 as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, angle β is approximately 45 degrees, however, other chamfer angles are contemplated. - Turning now to
FIG. 6 , O-ring 44 and its associated seal are described in greater detail. As can be seen in the cross-section ofFIG. 6 , O-ring 44 is positioned on arim 82 formed inlens 28.Ring member 38 sealingly engages O-ring 44 such that a seal is formed betweenlens 28 andring member 38. As a result, the ingress of fluid and particulate matter at this location is substantially eliminated or eliminated entirely. As discussed above, although illustrated as having a circular cross-section, other seal elements other than a conventional circular O-ring may be utilized at this location. As such, the foregoing should be taken by way of example only and not limitation. - Turning now to
FIG. 7 ,grommet 50 will be described in greater detail. As discussed above, aplug 52 biases grommet 50 within a threadedaperture 84 as shown. Threadedaperture 84 includes arim 92. As threadedplug 52 is inserted into threadedaperture 84grommet 50 is biased againstrim 92. This causes a diameter of a central aperture 94 formed throughgrommet 50 to decrease and thus sealingly engagelead wires 58 as shown. The seal at this region prevents the ingress of fluid and particulate matter from traveling alonglead wires 58 and into secondinterior space 64 containingcamera module 36, (See alsoFIG. 3 ). - Having described the structural attributes of
security camera 20, it will be readily recognized that it is no longer necessary to employ the time consuming operation of sealing the mounting holes on theback cover 26 ofhousing 22 ofsecurity camera 20. Indeed, the above-described sealing arrangement formed by O-ring 44,gasket 48, andgrommet 50 substantially eliminates or prevents entirely the ingress of fluid and particulate matter into an interior space ofsecurity camera 20 containing acamera module 36 which has contaminant sensitive electronic components. This sealing arrangement, in one embodiment, provides an Ingress Protection rating ofIP 68. As such,security camera 20 readily utilized in outdoor applications, but unlike prior designs, does not require the labor intensive sealing procedures associated therewith. - All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
- The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
- Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims (13)
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US14/516,342 US9305446B1 (en) | 2014-10-16 | 2014-10-16 | Security camera with internal sealing arrangement |
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US14/516,342 US9305446B1 (en) | 2014-10-16 | 2014-10-16 | Security camera with internal sealing arrangement |
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US9305446B1 US9305446B1 (en) | 2016-04-05 |
US20160110971A1 true US20160110971A1 (en) | 2016-04-21 |
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USD839076S1 (en) * | 2017-04-18 | 2019-01-29 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Mount for electronic devices |
CN107483801B (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2023-08-29 | 天津汇讯视通科技有限公司 | Sealing structure for outgoing line of camera |
KR102472860B1 (en) * | 2018-10-22 | 2022-11-30 | 현대모비스 주식회사 | Camera device for vehicle |
JP1667896S (en) * | 2020-02-10 | 2020-09-14 | ||
CN112153260B (en) * | 2020-09-17 | 2022-03-18 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Sealing element, terminal device and manufacturing method of sealing element |
CN112929545B (en) * | 2021-02-07 | 2022-05-27 | 杭州海康威视数字技术股份有限公司 | Camera module and silica gel ring |
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US3819856A (en) * | 1972-04-17 | 1974-06-25 | D Pearl | Camera capsule |
DE10013780C1 (en) * | 2000-03-20 | 2001-05-23 | Hartig E Videor Tech | Video surveillance device has first separation plane between dome camera and circuit board device and second separation plane between security housing and carrier flange for circuit board device |
KR100959937B1 (en) * | 2009-03-31 | 2010-05-26 | (주)파워텍일렉트로닉스 | Water-proof reinforced dome type security camera structure |
TWM395972U (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2011-01-01 | Vivotek Inc | Image sensor |
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