Locking device and camera stand having locking device

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device (100) for locking a dovetail plate (3) entering a track (11) of the locking device (100), the locking device comprising: a base (12) which delimits one side of the track (11); a clamping block (13) which is arranged on the base (12) so as to be laterally movable, the clamping block having a locking side (131) pointing towards the track (11) and a clamping side (132) which is opposite to the locking side (131), wherein the spacing between the locking side (131) and the clamping side (132) changes along a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the track (11); a clamping lever (14) which is rotatably arranged on the base (12), the clamping lever having a grip portion (141) and an eccentric portion (142), wherein the eccentric portion (142) is engaged at the clamping side (132) for moving the clamping block (13). The invention also relates to a camera stand (1, 2) comprising such a locking device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device and a camera bracket. Background Art

[0002] In order to mount a camera on a support, for example on a tripod, a so-called dovetail plate is usually used. For this purpose, the dovetail plate is fixed to the camera and, in order to mount the camera, the dovetail plate is inserted into the track of a locking device and locked there. The locking device is fixed to the support.

[0003] In the known solutions, problems often arise when inserting the dovetail plate into the rail of the locking device, for example due to an inclination or inexactly matching dimensions of the rail on the one hand and the dovetail plate on the other hand. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to propose a locking device for locking a dovetail plate introduced into a track of the locking device, which locking device allows easy entry of the dovetail plate on one side and ensures reliable locking on the other side.

[0005] Based on this, a locking device is proposed for locking a dovetail plate entering a track of the locking device, the locking device comprising: a base limiting one side of the track; a clamping block arranged laterally movably at the base, which has a locking side pointing to the track and a clamping side opposite to the locking side, wherein the spacing between the locking side of the clamping block and the clamping side of the clamping block changes along a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the track; a clamping rod rotatably arranged at the base, which has a hand grip and an eccentric part, wherein the eccentric part of the clamping rod is engaged at the clamping side of the clamping block for moving the clamping block, wherein the base and the clamping block are parallel to the longitudinal extension of the track and are movably arranged relative to the axis of the eccentric part of the clamping rod. The features of some embodiments described exemplarily here are given in the present application. In addition, a camera bracket with such a locking device is proposed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Further details and advantages of the invention become apparent from the following description of some exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

[0007] The accompanying drawings show:

[0008] Figure 1 A camera stand is shown exemplarily and schematically;

[0009] FIG. 2 exemplarily and schematically shows four perspective views (A) to (D) of a locking device according to an embodiment; and

[0010] Figure 3 Three perspective views (A) to (C) of a locking device according to one embodiment are shown exemplarily and schematically. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Figure 1 By way of example and schematically, a camera stand is shown with a tripod 1 and a hinge device 2. A locking device 100' is provided on the hinge device 2 for locking a dovetail plate 3, which has entered into a track of the locking device 100', for example by being moved laterally. A clamping element 110' is provided for locking the dovetail plate 3, so that the entered dovetail plate 3 can be manually operated and locked in such a way that a movement of the dovetail plate 3 along the longitudinal extension of the track is blocked. The locking is released by means of an operating button 112'.

[0012] exist Figure 1 The locking device 100 ′ shown in has proven to be unreliable and impractical: on the one hand, the dovetail plate 3 can be rolled out by an unintentional actuation of the button 112 ′, and on the other hand, the dovetail plate must be inserted into the rail with an “exact fit”.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows four views (A) to (D) of an embodiment of a locking device 100 according to the invention which overcomes these drawbacks. Figure 3 .

[0014] The locking device 100 for locking a dovetail plate 3 entering into its track comprises a base 12 delimiting one side of a track 11. The other side of the track 11 is delimited by an inclined side wall 19, the angle of which relative to the bottom of the track 11 is selected corresponding to the dovetail plate 3.

[0015] The term "track" used here includes that the dovetail plate 3 can only be introduced into the locking device 100 from the side (so-called "rear loader" or "front loader"). This is possible, but it is also possible to introduce the dovetail plate 3 from above ("top loader").

[0016] The housing part 150 can define a first track width B1 (see FIG. 2(D)) with the opposite side wall 19 at the first end section 111 of the track 11. The second housing part 152 can define a second track width B2 with the opposite side wall 19 at the second end section 112 of the track 11, which is greater than the first track width B1. This can simplify the lateral introduction of the dovetail plate 3 at the second end section 112 of the track 11.

[0017] The locking device 100 further comprises a clamping block 13 which is arranged on the base 12 so as to be laterally displaceable and has a locking side 131 pointing towards the rail 11 and a clamping side 132 lying opposite the locking side 131. The spacing between the locking side 131 and the clamping side 132 varies in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the rail 11. For example, the clamping side 132 is arched as shown, which additionally provides space saving. The locking side 131 engages at the side of the dovetail plate 3 for locking the dovetail plate 3 and can be arranged at a corresponding angle to the surface of the rail 11, like the side wall 19. For better locking of the dovetail plate 3, the locking side 131, which is designed in a planar manner, is provided with a brake lining, for example a rubber lining.

[0018] The locking device 100 further comprises a clamping lever 14 which is rotatably arranged at the base 12 and has a grip portion 141 and an eccentric portion 142, wherein the eccentric portion 142 engages at the clamping side 132 for moving the clamping block 13. The grip portion 141 and the eccentric portion 142 are coupled to each other, for example, via an axis 143. The rotation of the grip portion 141 about the axis 143 causes the eccentric portion 142 to engage at the clamping side 132. This causes the clamping block 13 to move in the direction toward the rail 11 and thus exert a clamping force on the dovetail plate 3 (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). In this way, the dovetail plate 3 is locked.

[0019] Boundary surface 144 (see Figure 3 The dashed line in (A) is defined by the contact between the eccentric portion 142 and the clamping side 132, and when the clamping rod 14 is positioned for locking the dovetail plate 3, the boundary surface is not parallel to the locking side 131 (Figures 2 (A) to (D) and Figure 3 (A) and (C)). For this purpose, the eccentric part 142 is, for example, conically convex, while the clamping side 132 is conically concave.

[0020] In one embodiment, the base 12 and the clamping block 13 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal extension of the track 11 and are movably arranged about the axis 143 of the eccentric part 142. Additionally or alternatively, the axis 143 of the eccentric part 142 can also be arranged movably parallel to the longitudinal extension of the track 11. Due to the variable spacing between the clamping side 132 and the locking side 131, the spacing between the boundary surface 144 and the axis 143 can be set variably. As a result, the track width defined by the clamping block 13 and the side wall 19 or the clamping force (or pressing force) applied by the clamping block to the dovetail plate 3 can also be set variably. In this way, the locking device 100 can accommodate dovetail plates of different widths, in particular also have such a dovetail plate, which has a smaller width than the track 11, as it is defined by the housing parts 150 and 152 on one side and the side wall 19 on the other side.

[0021] Instead of a curved clamping side 132 , a linearly extending clamping side 132 can also be provided which is arranged at an angle to the locking side 131 in order to achieve a varying distance between the clamping side 132 and the locking side 131 .

[0022] In order to bring about a longitudinal displacement of the base 12, the locking device comprises an adjusting mechanism 15, for example an adjusting screw. The adjusting mechanism 15 can be arranged in a housing part 150, which forms a side wall section opposite the side wall 19 on one side and adjoins the base 12 on the other side, as shown. Thus, the adjusting mechanism 15 allows the clamping force to be set due to the geometrical design of the eccentric part 142 and the clamping side 132. In addition, a counterpressure mechanism 16, for example a pressure spring, can be provided, which acts in opposition to the longitudinal displacement of the base 12. The counterpressure mechanism 16 is installed, for example, in a further housing part 152, which forms a further side wall section opposite the side wall 19 on one side and adjoins the base 12 on the other side.

[0023] The clamping lever 14 and in particular its shaft 143 are preferably arranged in a stationary manner and are not moved by actuating the adjusting mechanism 15 .

[0024] The clamping block 13 can be supported in a floating manner. The base is designed, for example, as a slide, in which the clamping block 13 is arranged to be laterally movable. For example, the clamping block 13 is mounted movably between the two end sections 121, 122 of the base, perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the rail 11. A slide located, for example, in a U-shape below the clamping block 13 ensures that the clamping block 13 moves evenly and parallel to the side edge away from the dovetail plate when the clamping device is opened and is thus completely opened. In addition, compression springs 171 and 172 can be provided, which press the clamping block 13 in the direction of the eccentric part 142 (see Figure 3 (B) and (C)).

[0025] In one embodiment, the locking device comprises a fastening element 18 which is movably supported between a first position and a second position, wherein when the fastening element 18 is in the first position, the rotatability of the clamping lever 14 is blocked (see Figure 3 (A) and (C)). The fastening element 18 is supported in the first position, for example under preload.

[0026] The fastening element is arranged at the grip portion 141 and needs to be manually transferred into the second position, for example by moving, in order to operate the clamping lever 14 ( Figure 3 (B)).

[0027] In one embodiment, the locking device 100 is designed to function as a top loader, a front loader, and a rear loader, ie, the dovetail plate 3 can be inserted by pushing it in from above and from both end sections 111 and 112 .

[0028] The distance of the lateral displacement of the clamping block 13 and thus the clamping force can be set by the movability of the clamping block 13 along the longitudinal extension of the rail 11. In this way, different dovetail plates can be locked or tolerances in the geometric dimensions of the dovetail plates can be taken into account.

[0029] The base of the rail 11 can be designed in a continuous, flat manner and does not necessarily have to have locking fastening elements for fastening the dovetail plate.

[0030] The grip portion 141 can be rotated, for example, by 90°. In the unlocked state, the grip portion 141 is at an angle of approximately 90° to the longitudinal extension of the track 11 ( Figure 3 (B)). In the locked state, the grip part 141 is flat and flush with the other housing part 152. In the intermediate position (not shown here), the grip part 141 is at an angle of approximately 90° to the longitudinal extension of the track 11; the entering dovetail plate 3 can then also be moved forward or backward, but no longer pivoted out of the track.

Claims

1. A locking device (100) for locking a dovetail plate (3) entering a track (11) of the locking device (100), the locking device comprising: - a base (12) delimiting one side of the track (11); a clamping block (13) arranged on the base (12) so as to be laterally displaceable and having a locking side (131) pointing towards the rail (11) and a clamping side (132) lying opposite the locking side (131), wherein the spacing between the locking side (131) of the clamping block (13) and the clamping side (132) of the clamping block (13) varies in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the rail (11); a clamping lever (14) rotatably arranged at the base (12) and having a grip portion (141) and having an eccentric portion (142), wherein the eccentric portion (142) of the clamping lever (14) engages at the clamping side (132) of the clamping block (13) for moving the clamping block (13), It is characterized in that The base (12) and the clamping block (13) are arranged parallel to the longitudinal extension of the track (11) and are movably arranged relative to the axis (143) of the eccentric portion (142) of the clamping rod (14).

2. A locking device (100) according to claim 1, wherein a boundary surface (144) defined by the contact between the eccentric portion (142) of the clamping rod (14) and the clamping side (132) of the clamping block (13) is not parallel to the locking side (131) of the clamping block (13).

3. The locking device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an adjustment mechanism (15) for causing a longitudinal movement of the base (12).

4. The locking device (100) according to claim 3, comprising a counter-pressure mechanism (16).

5. The locking device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamping block (13) is supported in a floating manner.

6. The locking device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (12) is designed as a slide, and the clamping block (13) is arranged in the slide so as to be laterally movable.

7. The locking device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one pressure spring (171, 172), which presses the clamping block (13) toward the eccentric portion (142) of the clamping rod (14).

8. The locking device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the eccentric section (142) of the clamping lever (14) is conically convex.

9. The locking device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamping side (132) of the clamping block (13) is conically concave.

10. The locking device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking side (131) of the clamping block (13) is provided with a brake lining.

11. The locking device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fastening element (18), which is movably supported between a first position and a second position, wherein when the fastening element (18) is in the first position, the rotatability of the clamping rod (14) is locked. 12 . The locking device ( 100 ) according to claim 11 , wherein the fastening element ( 18 ) is supported in the first position under pretension.

13. A locking device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the eccentric portion (142) of the clamping rod (14) engages at the clamping side (132) of the clamping block (13) for moving the clamping block (13) in an area in which the spacing between the locking side (131) and the clamping side (132) of the clamping block (13) changes in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the track (11).

14. The locking device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment mechanism (15) is an adjustment screw.

15. The locking device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the counterpressure mechanism (16) is a pressure spring which acts opposite to the longitudinal movement of the base (12).

16. A camera support comprising a locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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